Construction of Garissa mother, child hospital wing launched

Residents of Garissa have every reason to smile after the county administration launched the construction of the mother and child wing at the Garissa Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Speaking on Sunday during the ground breaking ceremony at the  referral hospital where the facility will be built, Governor Nathif Jama said that the over 400 bed capacity facility will go along way in reducing the high maternal mortality rate and stillbirths.

Jama said the ground breaking ceremony demonstrates a commitment to promoting health equity by catering to the specific healthcare requirements of women and children, a crucial aspect of comprehensive PHC strengthening.

Jama said that even though the county has managed to improve the maternal mortality since the inception of devolution, the figures would further be brought down once the facility is operational.

He said through expansion of access to specialized maternal and neonatal care, the hospital will directly address a pressing need in the county, aligning seamlessly with the nation's broader UHC vision.

“President Ruto's healthcare plan, rooted in the principle of leaving no one behind, is focused on strengthening Primary Health Care to accelerate the journey towards Universal Health Care Coverage," he said.

“In a notable stride towards this goal, the construction of the mother and child hospital in Garissa signifies a significant leap forward in healthcare access. This hospital will not only fill a crucial void in existing healthcare infrastructure but also signifies a holistic approach towards effective PHC."

Jama disclosed that the hospital will not only serve the residents of Garissa but the entire region of Northern Kenya, neighbouring counties and even Somalia.

“Today I am standing here a very happy man to oversee the this very important project. It must be remembered that this was one of my campaign manifestos and 20 months time we should be back to launch a complete project which will be a real legacy for our region,” said Jama.

“Even though this  hospital has served the residents well, There was need to have a ultra modern hospital that will cater for all the requirements of a modern a modern health care requirements.”

Dr Hawa Boi reiterated the important role the facility will play in reducing the numbers of mothers who are dying in pregnancy related issues.

“As an institution we are honoured to have to have such a facility. We are proud as an institution and from where I seat I can say the future looks really bright as far as improving our healthcare is concerned,” she said.

She said the facility will improve the survival rates of the children born in Garissa not just for them to survive but for them to thrive and give value to the county in the future.