Dr Gichuki Kariuki Archives

The county government of Nakuru Nakuru has enhanced training of healthcare workers on medical waste management.

***Nakuru’s PGH Medical Superintendent Dr.Joseph Mburu explains to Governor Kinyanjui and other guests are something about the waste management*** ***PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.***

This is according to County CECM for health Dr.Kariuki Gichuki.

He says already healthcare workers in Naivasha and Molo have received training to boost medical waste management.

“The program on medical waste management has seen staff trained in Naivasha and Molo.We want to ensure better waste magement for a better environment” said Dr.Gichuki.

According to Nakuru Level 5 Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr.Joseph Mburu, 1.5 to 2 tonnes of medical waste is produced at the facility daily.

Speaking on Thursday when National government through UNDP project handed over commodities to help boost medical waste management,Dr.Mburu was categorical that such waste if not properly handled can cause a menace.

He commended the partners for the commodities.

“The commodities will play key role as we manage the waste” said Mburu.

This even the National Government statistics indicate that 22,000 tonnes of waste are produced in the country daily.

According to the Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forestry Dr.Chris Kiptoo such is huge and the Government is doing all it can to ensure proper management.

Similar sentiments echoed by Susan Mutua from Public Health Department,Ministry of Health.

“Waste managent and protection of healthcare workers key” she said.

While reiterating that proper waste management will help ensure a better Environment,Mutua said the goverment is committed to ensure the same is achieved.

The County Government of Nakuru is setting up an ambulance dispatch and control system to enhance emergency medical services response in the region.

Minister for Health Dr Gichuki Kariuki says the facility at the Nakuru Level 5 Hospital will use geographic information processing to digitally map all health facilities and their capacity.

Nakuru County has a total of 558 health facilities, of which 26 are hospitals, 458 primary care facilities and 249 community units.

The County manages only 180 of the facilities, while the rest are faith-based, private and non-governmental organization.

A health sector taskforce commissioned by Governor Lee Kinyanjui in September 2017 revealed a lapse in the County’s emergency division.

Then, out of the 23 County-owned ambulances, only 8 were operational. The others were involved in road crashes or lacked general maintenance over the years.

The broken-down ambulances have since been repaired and 10 others bought and drivers trained on emergency vehicle operations.

Five of the new ambulances have advanced life support machines and will be stationed at Naivasha, Gilgil, Nakuru Level 5 Hospital, Molo and Ole Nguruone hospitals.

“Pre-hospital life support and transportation of the patient to the hospital is the most critical part of an emergency. We want to have it right,” said Dr Gichuki.

He said that during emergencies, especially road crashes on the northern corridor, hospitals are often caught unaware due to lack of proper coordination.

Under the new model, paramedic, ambulances and hospitals will be activated from the dispatch centre. Other players such as Kenya Red Cross and St Johns can also be called in.

The Minister said some health facilities were unable to maintain their ambulances as they do not charge fees for services offered.

The County Government of Nakuru has allocated 32 per cent of the total budget to health in the 2019/20 financial year.

The County Department of Health is in the process of renovating and upgrading health centres and dispensaries in the region to attend to basic emergency matters and offer first aids ahead of referrals.