Sick hospitals: Concern over poor state of public health facilities in Machakos

On arrival at the Kangundo Level 4 hospital in Kangundo, Machakos County, one is met by a plaque, proudly displaying the facility’s motto.

On the inside, the well-manicured lawn around the hospital’s administration block belies the level of rot in the facility.

In stark contrast to the hospital motto that states; “providing quality efficient and caring health services” patients are languishing with no reprieve in sight.

The facility is currently experiencing a severe drug stockout, leaving the patients to their own devices.

“Hakuna madawa, mgonjwa ndio apate matibabu lazima anunue madawa,” says Charles Muia, a patient.

The situation is the same at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital several kilometres away. Patients requiring imaging and X-ray services have to make private arrangements to get the crucial medical intervention, while those who are critically ill are forced to incur extra costs to procure an ambulance to ferry them.

Those requiring theatre services are not spared either. They are required to procure all the drugs and medical supplies required

Francis Nzyoka, a patient, at Kangundo Level 4 Hospital tells us: “Nimefanywa operation na kipimo nimepimiwa nje, damu pia nikapimiwa nje na dawa nimenunua mingi sana. kila kitu nikununua dawa. hakuna dawa iko hapa hii hospitali.”

Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu who made an impromptu visit at the Kangundo level 5 hospital following complaints from residents has accused the county government of neglecting its mandate to provide quality healthcare services, arguing most healthcare facilities are unable to provide patients with basic decent meals, noting that hygiene standards in the facilities are worrying.

“Wale wagonjwa wako hapo wakihitaji services za theatre hawawezi kua operated. kuna mama tumeopatana ako na mtot anatakiwa kufanyiwa operation. ameambiwa anunue dawa za theatre ili mtoto apelekwe theatre,” said Kavindu.

“Nakuomba governor (Wavinya Ndeti), tafadhali angalia mabo ya hospitali, na maji pia wagonjwa wanaletewa kutoka nyumbani.”

Machakos County Chief Officer of Health Justus Kasivu has however dismissed the claims as mere allegations that have taken a political angle, conceding that the county has moved to address the situation.

Kasivu says they have engaged technicians to repair the X-ray machines and the county has restored water supply to the facilities