- Makueni Referral Hospital’s new surgical and imaging equipment marks a turning point in local healthcare, bringing advanced treatment closer to the community.
- By tackling high patient loads and outdated facilities, the upgrades promise more efficient, precise, and life-saving interventions.
- Medical experts believe these investments will significantly cut referrals and set a new standard for county-level hospitals in Kenya.
A new era of healthcare has dawned at Makueni County Referral Hospital, where state-of-the-art surgical and diagnostic equipment commissioned by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. promises to transform patient care and ease long-standing referral challenges.
The equipment was acquired through a collaboration between the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP) and county governments, with additional investments made directly by the Makueni County administration.
“We have added a modern diathermy monopolar machine that uses high-frequency electric currents to cut, coagulate, or destroy tissue during surgery, significantly reducing blood loss,” Governor Mutula said.
He noted that the facility has also received infusion pumps, operating lights and tables, anesthesia machines, patient monitors for theatre and transit use, as well as a traction bed designed for orthopedic procedures.
In addition, the county government purchased a modern laparoscopic tower: a mobile, integrated workstation that supports minimally invasive surgeries. The system features high-resolution 4K UHD cameras, monitors, light sources, oxygen insufflators, and suction systems, enhancing precision, visualization, and surgeon comfort.
The hospital has also acquired a digital X-ray system that uses electronic detectors instead of film. The technology converts images into digital files within minutes, enabling faster diagnosis, improved image quality, and reduced radiation exposure compared to conventional X-rays.
Governor Mutula said the new equipment has enabled the facility to establish two additional operating theatres, bringing the total number to four. However, he acknowledged that the high cost of acquiring such machines remains a significant challenge.
“Reports from the hospital management indicate that on busy days the X-ray unit handles between 70 and 80 patients, but the new equipment is expected to ease congestion and shorten waiting times,” he added.
Consultant general surgeon and endoscopist Dr. Alex Ombati welcomed the upgrades, saying they will allow the hospital to manage more complex cases locally, significantly reducing the number of referrals to other facilities.
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