Residents of Kirinyaga are filled with joy and anticipation as the largest medical facility in the county and the entire region prepare for its grand opening on Tuesday.

The Kerugoya Level Five County Referral Hospital, set to be inaugurated by President William Ruto, brings great relief to the local population, who will now have access to a wide range of specialized healthcare services without having to seek treatment outside the county.

Governor Anne Waiguru initiated this ambitious project, aiming to provide accessible and affordable high-quality healthcare services to the residents.

Standing tall in Kerugoya Town, the five-storey complex represents a significant milestone in the implementation of the county's development blueprint, known as The Mountain Cities 2032, which designates Kirinyaga Central constituency as the 'Wellness City.'

Among the eager residents eagerly awaiting the hospital's opening is Irungu Kamau from Kerugoya town, who expressed his anticipation for the improved provision of specialized medical care.

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Kamau believes that the availability of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and multiple theatres will significantly reduce the number of referrals and ensure patients receive the care they need within their own community.

Peter Njuki, a resident from Gichugu, expressed gratitude to Governor Waiguru, referring to the new hospital as a gift to the county. Njuki praised the governor as a transformative leader who believes in the realm of possibilities.

He noted that the hospital's quality can rival some of the high-end private healthcare institutions in Kenya, yet it will be accessible to all without exorbitant costs.

“We are glad we elected a transformative leader who believes in possibilities beyond the norm. This hospital can only be compared to some of the high-end private hospitals we have in Kenya, yet it will be accessible to us without having to spend a fortune," Njuki said.

Emma Karaya, who resides near the hospital, highlighted the frequent need for referral services in private hospitals within and outside the county.

She emphasized that the opening of the Level Five Hospital will greatly improve services such as ICU and renal care, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for the local population.

Imam Asad Abdalla of Kerugoya Mosque described the facility as a unique project, the largest ever delivered in the county since devolution.

He acknowledged the new standards set by the hospital, praising the presence of a fully equipped ICU that will cater to critical care patients, an unprecedented addition to Kerugoya.

In the digital realm, social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions about the imminent hospital opening.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru tours Kerugoya County Referral Hospital ahead of the inauguration. PHOTO/COURTESY

Residents of Kirinyaga have expressed optimism, believing that this facility will revolutionize healthcare service delivery in the county.

Many recognize that infrastructure development plays a crucial role in providing effective healthcare services and improving the overall well-being of society.

George Karoki, the County Executive Committee Member for Health, outlined the comprehensive range of services that will be offered at the hospital.

These include outpatient and inpatient services, along with specialized medical care in paediatrics, ENT, oncology, dermatology, orthopaedics, neuro-paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and maternal and neonatal care.

With a capacity of 341 beds, the new hospital will alleviate pressure on the existing Kerugoya Level Four hospital.

Karoki emphasized that the wards are equipped with oxygen gas produced at the hospital's medical gas plant.

This provision ensures the county's preparedness for any future high demand for oxygen, such as that experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With a well-equipped ICU, the hospital is now better equipped to handle patients requiring special treatment.

“Availability of a medical gas plant improves our county’s preparedness for any unprecedented high demand for oxygen as the one brought about by Covid-19 sometime back. We are now better prepared to handle patients requiring special treatment since we have a well-equipped ICU," Karoki said.

The hospital also boasts a fully equipped emergency and crush trauma and casualty wing, complete with observation beds, a designated X-ray centre, and an operating theatre.

Karoki reassured county residents that they can expect excellent services at the new hospital, which will undoubtedly elevate the standard of healthcare in Kirinyaga.

With the grand opening of the Kerugoya Level Five County Referral Hospital, Kirinyaga takes a significant stride toward comprehensive and accessible healthcare, marking a new era of medical excellence for the region.