Health services in Wajir have received a major boost after the arrival of the first shipment of medical equipment and other supplies.
The assorted equipment and non-pharmaceutical supplies are from Helping Hands for Relief and Development, a US-based organisation.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Yunis Yussuf from HHRD Africa said the donation will go a long way to supplement the county’s effort of providing better healthcare services to its residents.
Another consignment of five containers will soon be shipped in as part of the wish list the county requested for healthcare support.
Chief officer for health Mohamed Abdullahi thanked the donors for the support.
The equipment includes modern delivery couches, ICU beds, incubators, oxygen concentrators, and suction pumps.
“On behalf of the county, I want to say thank you to our donors for bringing in the all needed medical supplies that will go along way to help us equip our upcoming accident and emergency facility that will be open very soon,” he said.
“This will help us provide better services that will go along way in making sure that we provide the highest achievable healthcare services to our citizens.”
Abdullahi said Wajir remains one of the counties with the highest burden of maternal mortality.
The equipment has been tested by the county medical engineer and found to be in good working condition and they are of good quality.
Dr Mohamed Aden Hilow, a consultant psychiatrist at Wajir County Referral Hospital, said the equipment will help the county set up the accident and emergency unit.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, speaking separately, said the advancement represents significant progress in improving healthcare services for the residents of Wajir.
“With this unit, we anticipate a considerable decrease in referrals and a reduction in the financial strain for our citizens who previously had to travel extensive distances for essential medical services,” he said.
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our partner for their vital support in facilitating this initiative. We are committed to ensuring the effective operation of this state-of the-art facility and enhancing access to quality healthcare for our people.”
Abdullahi has on several occasions said the healthcare system in the county faced numerous challenges before the introduction of devolution.
“I am happy to report that even
though we have not achieved everything that we set out, I can confidently
say without any fear of contradiction
that we have managed to improve the
health standards. I am proud to share
with you today, that hope is here for
our healthcare.”
