Ruto, Achani launch upgraded Mkongani Hospital, unveil new healthcare facilities

The event also marked the opening of a new operating theatre, a general ward, and the commissioning of a cutting-edge X-ray facility.

The Kwale County Government-funded upgrades and new facilities are intended to alleviate the challenges that residents previously faced when travelling long distances for specialised medical care.

The newly upgraded Mkongani Level 4 Hospital will now provide specialized consultant services, catering to over 1,500 expectant mothers each month. 

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by enabling early pregnancy interventions.

The hospital, which serves a population of over 10,000 people in eight villages, including Mkongani A, Mkongani B, Vumirira, and Goyo, will now perform major surgical procedures such as caesarean sections, hernia repairs, and appendectomy. 

With the addition of a fully functional operating theater and a team of skilled medical officers, patients will no longer need to be referred to Kwale Hospital, located 40 kilometers away, for surgical care.

Speaking at the event in Mkongani, Matuga Sub-County, President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services nationwide through partnerships with county governments. 

He also encouraged residents to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA), a program designed to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses for families.

“To further support this initiative, I am allocating 30 million shillings to Governor Fatuma Achani to ensure the continued improvement of this facility, enabling residents to access quality healthcare services,” President Ruto announced.

Governor Achani emphasised her administration's efforts to bring healthcare closer to the people by upgrading several hospitals throughout the county. 

Kwale, Lungalunga, Samburu, and Kinango hospitals have been promoted to Level 4, while Msambweni Hospital has been upgraded to a referral centre, providing specialised treatments such as ICU dialysis, tuberculosis culture, advanced dental services, and specialised antenatal care (ANC), among others.

“Our goal is to ensure that every resident has access to quality healthcare. To date, we have constructed over 178 dispensaries, employed more than 1,800 health workers, and recruited over 1,600 Community Health Workers across the county,” Governor Achani stated.

Matuga Member of Parliament Kassim Tandaza praised the county government for its transformative efforts in the health sector since the advent of devolution. 

He emphasized the positive impact these developments will have on the lives of residents

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Health Minister Deborah Mulongo, Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo, Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Kwale County CECs, Chief Officers, County Assembly Speaker Seth Mwatela, MCAs, and representatives from the national and county governments.