Makueni: Eni Kenya has donated assorted medical equipment valued at Sh32 million to Mother and Child Hospital, aiming to enhance healthcare services for residents seeking medical care at the facility.
According to Kenya News Agency, the donation includes advanced equipment for the Blood Satellite Centre. The facility received a blood plasma deep freezer and a refrigerated centrifuge machine, designed to separate blood components, improving medical management for various conditions. Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, while commissioning the equipment on Tuesday, emphasized the importance of these modern devices, typically only found in Nairobi, in boosting healthcare delivery.
Governor Kilonzo noted the capacity of the new equipment to store 6,000 pints of blood. He praised secondary school students for their blood donations and encouraged college and university students in the region to contribute to the blood bank, highlighting the county’s potential to support neighboring regions with their blood supply.
During the event, Governor Kilonzo, alongside Eni Kenya Managing Director Daniella Morra, inaugurated a specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the hospital. This unit, equipped with incubators, syringe pumps, infusion pumps, medication trolleys, and other essential devices, is expected to significantly improve newborn care services. The NICU’s advanced equipment aims to enhance healthcare efficiency and improve survival outcomes for newborns.
Governor Kilonzo stressed the role of the NICU in improving the survival rates of preterm and critically ill neonates. The presence of incubators, radiant warmers, and non-invasive ventilators will provide vital thermal regulation and respiratory support, reducing neonatal mortality and morbidity rates. Equipment such as vital signs monitors and pulse oximeters will facilitate continuous monitoring of essential parameters, aiding early detection of complications.
The donation also benefitted Kambi Mawe Dispensary, where the governor and Eni Kenya MD Morra u
nveiled equipment for the Maternity Block, a new ablution block, and a septic tank. Items received included a delivery bed, examination couch, lamps, incubator, and additional items aimed at enhancing maternity and postnatal care.
In collaboration with partners like Helen Keller International and Vitamin Angels, Eni Kenya aims to curb malnutrition among children in Makueni County. The county’s health department is distributing fortified blended flour to children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and adults affected by malnutrition, striving towards a healthier community.
Eni Kenya MD Morra reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the county government, pledging continued assistance to benefit local residents. The event was attended by the County Executive Committee for Health, Joyce Mutua, and other county officials.