The First Lady has officially launched Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital in Eldoret.
The hospital is a specialised facility with a capacity of 70 beds, a fully equipped theatre, a Class E laboratory, a fully stocked pharmacy, an ultra-modern diagnostic ultrasound, an X-ray unit, and an ICT centre.
According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022, 14.4pc of women in Uasin Gishu cannot access a health facility within one hour when they need healthcare services, making this hospital a much-needed intervention.
The First Lady described the project as one that will improve access to specialised maternal and neonatal healthcare services and act as a referral facility for mother and baby emergency cases, ensuring that “no mother loses their own life when giving life.”
The Mama Rachel Maternity Hospital is an answer to the increased demand for medical care, with Eldoret serving as a medical hub in the North Rift Region.
Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, encouraged the residents of Uasin Gishu to uptake the Social Health Insurance Fund, an intervention by the government that will see all Kenyans enjoy quality medical care in public, private, and mission hospitals in the country.
Jonathan Bii, Governor of Uasin Gishu County, reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to healthcare in the county, with 30pc of the budget being focused on building, equipping, and improving health facilities in the county and increasing the number of health professionals.
