The Senate Health Committee has called on Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to address challenges facing Kiambu Level 5 Hospital.
The committee led by Uasin Gichu Senator Jackson Mandago, on Tuesday conducted a thorough inspection of various facilities at the hospital.
The committee inspected the hospital's wards, procurement department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), casualty area and maternity ward among others.
Also present during the inspection was Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa.
The committee recommended that Wamatangi should prioritise fixing of dry water taps in the wards, repair failing equipment parts and ensure disposal of expiry medicines at the facility.
Additionally, the committee urged the County Health Executive and Chief Officer to engage interns and medical practitioners to mitigate the impact of the ongoing strike on healthcare services.
Mandago at the same time commended Governor Wamatangi for efforts to automate health services, citing improved efficiency in service delivery.
“The automation of drugs and other services here in the facility is accurate and I congratulate Wamatangi for the service and his leadership. Despite few issues here and there, he is trying and this is an indication that devolution works," Mandago said.
Mandago lauded Governor Wamatangi for what he termed as effective management of the ICU.
He encouraged other counties to emulate such practices for better service delivery.
"Despite minor issues, Wamatangi's commitment to service automation showcases the effectiveness of devolution," Mandago said.
He appealed to the doctors' union to engage in dialogue with the government to resolve the ongoing stalemate, adding that the national government is willing to negotiate.
“Kenya Kwanza is a listening government and the relevant agencies are ready and eager to negotiate," he said.
He noted that the number of patients has reduced greatly to 70 per cent in public hospitals since the strike started.
Senator Thang’wa echoed Mandago's sentiments regarding identified issues, emphasising the need for their timely resolution.
He pledged to monitor progress closely and provide feedback to the committee within 14 days.
Acknowledging the impact of the doctors' strike on service delivery, Thang’wa urged for a speedy resolution to the ongoing crisis, which has significantly reduced patient admissions in public hospitals.
“The health facility isn’t that bad and the governor is trying, but he must up his game for the sake of the electorates,” Thangwa said.
The nationwide strike, initiated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on March 14, has led to a widespread outcry from Kenyans.
The doctors have been on strike despite a court order asking the union to suspend the same to allow talks with the government.