Kiambu Government has unveiled plans to upgrade Igegania Level 4 Hospital in Gatundu North to a Level 5 facility.
The upgrade is expected to boost healthcare delivery and reduce referrals to Gatundu Level 5 and Thika Level 5 hospitals.
Igegania Level 4 Hospital serves about 80,000 residents.
Health executive Elias Maina said plans are at an advanced stage to install necessary medical equipment and facilities at the hospital.
He spoke on Tuesday while delivering medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, infant incubators, laryngoscopes and bedside monitors.
Other equipment delivered are automated external defibrillators, an electrocardiogram unit, hospital beds, folding stretchers, centrifuges, and emergency carts.
“The medical equipment are part of a broader initiative by Governor Kimani Wamatangi to elevate this hospital to a Level 5 facility. Already renovation has completed,” Maina said.
He said the equipment will help the hospital handle more complex medical cases.
“These enhancements will not only enable the hospital to provide better care to its patients but also serve as a testament to the ongoing commitment in advancing healthcare services,” Maina said.
During a recent event in Mang’u ward, Wamatangi said the county will put up a fully equipped theatre at the facility.
"We are mobilising funds for this and we are focused on easing access to healthcare for Gatundu residents," he said.
The county will expand hospital's maternity wing and install state-of-the-art equipment and beds to improve reproductive and maternal healthcare.
Chania Ward MCA Joseph Mwangi urged the governor to address the issue of understaffing at the facility.
"We are however grateful that the county has heard our cries and has started upgrading this facility. We are hopeful that residents will access all health services at the hospital with ease," he said.
Residents said the upgrade will promote healthcare access.
"This initiative is long overdue. We are glad that essential health services will be brought closer to us," said Mary Njoki, a resident.
