- The thanksgiving is happening three decades later.
- South Sudan delegation visited the health facility recently.
- The anticipated project will position the facility in a better place to handle emergency cases.
The Minister for Presidential Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan, Barnabas Benjamin, recently led a delegation of South Sudan leaders to Mercy Mission Hospital Eldama Ravine to express their gratitude for saving President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s life on December 19, 1993.
The delegation included Ambassador Kur Garang Deng; Josephine Napone, Minister for Environment; Ambassador Chol Mauut; Ambassador Bol Wek; Thiik Kiir Mayardit, son of President Salva Kiir, and Grace Ajok.
During their visit, the ambassadors toured the facility and were shown where President Salva Kiir received emergency care 30 years ago.
They confirmed that the South Sudanese government will build a Salva Kiir Mayardit Accident and Trauma Centre at Mercy Mission Hospital Eldama Ravine to continue saving more lives.
Margaret Cheborgei, one of the staff members present during the minister’s accident, narrated how they swung into action and stabilized the accident victims brought in by a lorry.
They received a call from Kabarak, the residence of the late second President of Kenya, Daniel Moi, to refer the patients to Kabarak airstrip for airlifting to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment.
Joseph Lokirdi, who was the security officer at that time, recounted how he ushered the lorry in and called the nurses’ attention.
About the facility
The Mercy Mission Hospital Eldama Ravine, a level 4 hospital in Eldama Ravine, has been serving the community for over 50 years.
It serves patients from all over the surrounding counties and refers them to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital about 135 kilometers away and Nakuru Provincial Hospital nearly 65 kilometers away.
The hospital, which is faith-based and under the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, values life and offers treatment while trusting in God to heal.
The hospital is led by an administrator, Francis Mugo, under an able board.
The gesture of South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit to build an Accident and Trauma Centre named after him is humbling to the hospital.
The van that took the accident victims to Kabarak is still well-maintained and continues to help out in emergencies when Mercy Mission Hospital Eldama Ravine’s two ambulances are busy.
Among the other Kenyan dignitaries present were Musa Sirma, the Member of Parliament for Eldama Ravine, Lawi Kipchumba, the Member of County Assembly for Lembus Kwen constituency, among others.
The genesis
When he was involved in a plane crash accident with about six other people they were on board with, the family that rescued them did not know that they would be saving a future president.
It was an act of kindness that made them move swiftly into action on their farm in Torongo.
The humble family is now enjoying the fame and honor bestowed on them by the now President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir.
On the fateful evening of December 19, 1993, the family rushed the victims to a nearby dispensary in Torongo, which is too on a path to have its part of the goodies.
Mercy Mission Hospital has lived up to its vision, which is to be a hospital of excellence in the provision of holistic care.
Thus, Mercy Mission Hospital Eldama Ravine, which they were referred to, is the biggest winner as it expects to build a Salva Kiir Mayardit Accident and Trauma Center.
The entire cost is to be settled by the South Sudanese government.
It would help make the hospital an exemplary example of what it means to follow all their values: Love, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Confidentiality, Professionalism, and Diligence.
Goals
The Mercy Missions Hospital’s goal is to be a Catholic Accident and Trauma Centre, leading in quality & holistic patient-centered care in the region.
The proposed project is timely and its proximity is undoubtedly strategic.
Eldama Ravine Sub-County lacks an Accident and Trauma Centre to receive and treat the frequent accident patients from anywhere on the highways around and even those that will come from different regions and would need more assistance.
Due to a lack of essential equipment, infrastructure and staffing, the facility has been offering emergency first aid services and later refers complicated cases to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret and Nakuru for further specialized care and treatment.
The proposed Trauma Center will be fully equipped and staffed to provide comprehensive emergencies.
It will accommodate a fully equipped resuscitation room, an emergency unit, a recovery unit, an operation room and minor theater, a diagnostic unit-radiology and imaging, an HDU unit, a nurse station, and an ICU of four-bed capacity.
This is all in the contribution towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 and project objectives, which entails good health and well-being of all at all ages.
The emphasis is on having an easily accessible accident facility in the region to offer 24/7 timely emergency pre-hospital care to accident victims, stabilize and treat them to fully admit accident victims and be open to those requiring routine care.
Serving more patients
This will increase patients served locally and recruit, select, and retain qualified, competent employees of high integrity.
To also improve quality of service delivered for excellence and enhanced customer satisfaction, save lives and reduce accident fatality cases in the region.
Enhancing patient care and safety through the use of a specialist and a fully equipped department is also their focus.
The locals are set to be the major beneficiaries as they will not be tasked anymore to travel outside the country for more specialization.
The building of the Salva Kiir Mayardit Trauma and Accident Center fulfills the hospital’s mission.
Mercy Mission Hospital is among the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru Health Program in Nakuru and Baringo Counties.
It is among the 28 Diocesan Health facilities comprising 6 hospitals, 11 health centers, 10 dispensaries, and 1 community-based health care program.
Current situation
Eldama Ravine Sub County has a total population of approximately 129,535.
In its six electoral wards, people have to cover about 5-10km to access good health care in the level 4 facilities, including Eldama Ravine Sub-County Hospital, a public facility, and Mercy Mission Hospital Eldama Ravine, which is faith-based.
The facility has tried its best to give affordable services.
As time goes by, it continues embracing the various health insurance covers by engaging with insurance companies to serve more clients.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Why Mercy Mission Hospital is Baringo’s most-trusted healthcare facility
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is the most depended on by patients. Linda Mama, purposely for pregnant women, has elevated women’s standards by ensuring safe delivery.
