New dispensaries boost fight against chronic illnesses in Kirinyaga

Residents walk out of the newly opened Matandara dispensary in Kirinyaga county

About 11 new dispensaries opened recently in Kirinyaga county are playing a pivotal role in controlling lifestyle diseases.

The dispensaries are offering free screening and special clinics for diabetes and hypertension with the county ranking high in prevalence of lifestyle diseases.

County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation George Karoki said the new medical facilities have to strengthen primary healthcare which plays an integral role in successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Karoki said the county has constructed 20 new dispensaries and health centres, with 11 of them already equipped and operationalised including South Ngariama, Umoja, Kiandai, Kiamwathi, Kianjiru, Kiaumbui, Matandara, Mucagara, Kamwana, Riakithiga Laboratory and Joshua Mbai Laboratory.

The facilities have reduced the cost of the fight against high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cancer ailments which have a high prevalence in the county.

“The new medical facilities opened by governor Anne Waiguru have come in handy in our effort to fight non-communicable diseases in the county. They are helping in early detection and are offering clinics for people suffering from the ailments,” Karoki said.

Initially, only Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, Kianyaga, Kimbimbi and Sagana hospitals had units catering to non-communicable diseases.

“Only level three, four and five hospitals were handling the diseases but now health centres and dispensaries have been roped in”.

“We are doing check-ups for all patients coming into the facilities before they get to see the doctor. Clinics for those who already have the diseases have also been rolled out across the county,” he said.

Karoki said construction of the medical facilities by the county is part of an elaborate plan to address healthcare challenges in the county.

The county had 17,200 cases of hypertension and 5,000 cases of diabetes by the end of last year.

He said early community-based detection through screening can help in timely treatment and management of risk factors and help to reduce morbidity and mortality.

“When there is early detection, it helps in containing health-related costs associated with hospitalisation due to severe illness and poorly managed risk factors,” he added.

The county has also employed more medics for the new and upgraded facilities.

A health worker checks the blood pressure of a patient at the Matandara dispensary in Kirinyaga County.

Waiguru said strengthening of healthcare infrastructure is one of the interventions the county is using to enhance service delivery and to attain universal health coverage.

“With strong primary healthcare, there will be less congestion in higher-level health institutions, allowing level four and five hospitals to deal with more complex health issues more efficiently,” Waiguru said.

The county is also enhancing provision of essential commodities such as drugs and medical supplies and a 24-hour ambulance referral system for patients presenting with complications at the primary healthcare facilities.

The county is also training community health promoters and healthcare workers in the management of hypertension, diabetes, and common cancers to enhance service delivery.

Stella Wambui from Mucagara village lauded the county government for boosting health care saying they are now able to access medical services without traveling long distances.

“I used to go to Karumande or Kianyaga for treatment, but now, I receive all my care in the Mucagara dispensary, including diabetes check-ups”.

John Gitari, who has been receiving treatment for arthritis, credited the dispensary’s timely intervention.

“If the county hadn’t built this facility, my condition would have worsened. It’s from Mucagara dispensary that I was referred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, where I was diagnosed and placed under treatment. Now, I get my medications and checkups here”.

Jane Wambere from Gathigiriri area praised Matara dispensary’s role in supporting expectant mothers and children.

“When you go to the dispensary for a diabetes diagnosis, you get all the necessary drugs. It’s next to a school, which is an advantage because if a child falls sick, they can get treatment immediately,” she stated.

Through health education, residents are also encouraged to consume healthy diets and increase physical activities to boost their immunity.