The next phase of treatment for Embakasi gas fire victims will begin today, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said.
The phase will include skin grafting for patients with severe wounds.
The process involves transferring cutaneous tissue from one portion of the body to another to cover large wounds.
It is a surgery where doctors take healthy skin from one part of the body and transplant (move) it to cover or replace the damaged or missing skin.
Mwaura said one patient at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital and six at Kenyatta National Hospital were in critical condition suffering from severe burns.
The patients according to Mwaura have been undergoing a range of treatments which include wound care, dressing, and pain control and are in consultation with physiotherapists for rehabilitation.
“The hospital has received essential trauma kits from the World Health Organisation, aiding significantly in patient care,” Mwaura said.
According to the National Institute of Health, skin grafts protect wounds from the environment, pathogens, temperature and excessive water loss like normal skin.
The government spokesperson added that both hospitals are well-equipped and ready to provide dialysis services to patients.
"Due to anticipated kidney problems, renal units in these two hospitals are well-equipped and prepared to offer dialysis patients to patients. This is due to the close correlation between the skin and the kidneys as they support each other in disposing of body wastes,” Mwaura said.
Data from the government shows that 35 patients have been successfully treated and discharged; eight from KUTRRH and 27 from KNH with 53 still undergoing treatment; 19 at KUTRRH and 34 at KNH.
Meanwhile, the government has called on those who lost their documents and certificates in the tragedy to register at the Embakasi Social Hall.
This is to allow the process of replacement through the National Registration Bureau and other bodies such as the Kenya National Examinations Council.
This is even as Mwaura confirmed that the death toll from the gas fire incident in Embakasi on Friday had now reached six.
This was after three additional survivors succumbed to their injuries on Sunday.
