Murang’a:The Murang’a County Assembly has issued a 60-day ultimatum to the county executive to address staffing and equipment shortages, resolve land ownership issues, and upgrade Kangema Hospital to Level Four status.
According to Kenya News Agency, this directive follows the adoption of a report on the audit and financial statements of the facility, with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) urging immediate action to close operational gaps and ensure the hospital meets necessary healthcare standards.
Gaichanjiru Ward MCA John Munyua, who initiated the motion for the report’s adoption, highlighted concerns over insufficient personnel and medical equipment, stating that these deficiencies are hindering the hospital’s ability to function as a Level Four facility. Munyua urged relevant county departments to expedite the implementation of the committee’s recommendations, which include deploying adequate health workers and providing necessary equipment to enhance service delivery.
He also emphasized the need to transfer the hospital’s land to county government ownership within 60 days, to allow for public investment in the facility without complications related to land ownership.
As per the adopted recommendations, the hospital’s accounting officer must coordinate with the County Public Service Board within the same 60-day period to align staffing levels with the Kenya Quality Model for Health policy guidelines. Additionally, the officer is tasked with upgrading the hospital’s registration to Level Four with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
Kahumbu Ward MCA Isaac Chefman Njoroge, who seconded the motion, underscored the importance of consistency between a hospital’s official classification and its service capabilities. He noted that the classification should accurately reflect the hospital’s capacity and adherence to prescribed standards.
The Assembly has called on relevant county departments and committees to ensure all recommendations are implemented within the stipulated timeframe. These improvements aim to enhance the hospital’s capacity, increase the availability of healthcare personnel and equipment, and improve access to quality medical services for residents of Kangema and surrounding areas.
The county executive is expected to address the identified administrative and operational shortcomings within the deadline set by the Assembly.
