Health CS Susan Wafula on Monday toured Chuka County Referral Hospital which is set to be upgraded to a level five facility.
The CS who was accompanied by Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki made the visit to assess the facility's level ahead of the upgrade to a level 5 hospital.
The process of upgrading the hospital has officially begun following a directive by President William Ruto to the Ministry of Health.
The CS noted that the facility has made great progress, but there is still much work to be done.
The ministry has pledged to work with the county government to ensure that the hospital meets the required standards such as an operational High Dependence Unit and an Intensive Care Unit.
According to the CS, the telemedicine platform developed by Google in Tharaka Nithi will allow for easy access to quality healthcare services, cutting costs and improving healthcare outcomes.
The platform will allow patients to access consultations from top health professionals and reduce the challenges of travel for medical services.