It was a moment of joy for residents of Webuye as the county in partnership with Amref Health Africa commissioned the liquefied oxygen tank and the utility vehicle at Webuye County hospital.
Addressing the press on Wednesday during the commissioning, Health and sanitation CEC Dr Andrew Wamalwa said that the 3,000 tonnes bulk oxygen tank will cater for critically ill patients who will be presented at the facility.
The oxygen tank was donated by a global fund through Amref Africa who are the implementing partners at the cost of Sh56,549,431.
Wamalwa said that the hospital now has 88 oxygen outlets covering all the clinical departments.
“Through the grant, the hospital has received oxygen that will serve it for six months,” Wamalwa said.
So far, Bungoma has received 650 medical oxygen cylinders, including 50 ambulance size cylinders to county referral hospital and other regional health facilities.
"This has been a transformative initiative to improve people centred primary health care (PHC) services in line with the commitment to improving healthcare of our people," he said.
He said that the other accessories the county government has received so far include; 16 oxygen splitters and 6 multipara metre patient monitors.
"These assets are to be distributed in six health facilities in the county. In addition, 5 health facilities namely Chwele, Sirisia, Cheptais, Webuye sub county hospitals and Miendo dispensary will benefit from piping infrastructure," he said.
Wamalwa revealed that currently Webuye County Hospital handles 25 patients daily and the donation of the oxygen tank has come in handy.
The utility vehicle was purchased by Webuye County Hospital management.
Amref Africa representative Peter Waiganjo lauded the county government for allowing the partnership and handing over the bulk oxygen tank to the county hospital.
"It is a milestone in the health sector with the commissioning and handing over of the 3,000 kgs to cater for critical patients," said Waiganjo.
"This will help in expanding the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that has been struggling for a long time."