Two dispensaries opened a few months ago in Kirinyaga county have so far served 17,000 residents.
They are Matandara in Mwea and Riakithiga in Gichugu constituency.
Information from the county government shows Matandara, which opened in May, has so far received about 10,000 patients while Riakithiga has served more than 6,500 patients since July when it was opened.
The facilities are part of 19 dispensaries completed by the county government in an accelerated programme that involves equipping and launching projects.
The facilities have been a major relief to residents who used to travel for many kilometres to receive health services.
Margaret Nyambura, a nurse at Matandara Dispensary, said on average about 90 patients are served at the facility every day.
She said since its opening, there has been an upsurge in the number of people seeking medication to control diabetes and hypertension.
"We are able to detect ailments that were previously not highly detected due to congestion and the high number of people flocking in the hospital," Nyambura said.
Reuben Mugera, a resident of Matandara and a beneficiary of the project, said he has been ecstatic since the dispensary opened.
Before he would spend Sh200 to travel to Kimbimbi Hospital, about 4.1 kilometres away.
Due to the distance and the huge number of patients at Kimbimbi Hospital, he would at times opt to seek services at private hospitals.
Mugera said apart from treatment, the new dispensary has created employment for young medics.
He said residents are excited to have access to healthcare services in a more efficient manner and in a convenient location.
Riakithiga dispensary at Kabare ward, in Gichugu has received a steady stream of patients since it opened its doors.
Beth Karuana Njiiri, a laboratory technician, said the level 2 facility has saved the beneficiaries from travelling long distances and using more money in search of medical tests.
Karuana said the dispensary's laboratory has enabled clinicians to detect ailments early for timely treatment.
The technician said previously residents would seek laboratory services at private facilities at very high costs.
Joseph Kamau, a resident of Riakithiga village, said, “Initially, I would spend Ksh 200 on travel to Kerugoya or Kianyaga hospital for comprehensive medical services, which are 11 and 13 kilometres away. We are grateful that we are being examined and treated here.”
Governor Anne Waiguru says with strong primary healthcare at the dispensaries, there will be less congestion at higher-level health institutions, allowing level 4 and 5 hospitals to deal with more complex health issues more efficiently.
She says her administration has made significant investments in the construction of health facilities to attain universal health coverage.
