In a major stride toward enhancing neonatal care in Kitui County, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, in partnership with the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), officially received the newly constructed Newborn Unit at the Kitui County Referral Hospital (KCRH) on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
The state-of-the-art facility, handed over by the contractor, is designed to accommodate over sixty newborns, significantly increasing the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized care for infants in critical need.
The newly established Newborn Unit marks a substantial improvement in the hospital’s ability to address neonatal care needs, as the current unit was overstretched by the growing number of cases.
This expansion, coupled with advanced medical equipment, is set to elevate the quality of care provided to newborns requiring intensive treatment, thus reducing infant mortality rates in the county. The upgrade aligns with the county’s commitment to improving maternal and child health services.
Lynn Kitwan, Chief Officer for Public Health and Sanitation, expressed deep gratitude to CMMB for their unwavering dedication to uplifting healthcare in Kitui County.
In her address, Kitwan emphasized the transformative impact the Newborn Unit will have on the healthcare system, noting, “This facility is a game changer for us.It not only increases our capacity to care for more infants but also ensures that they receive the highest standard of care. This partnership with CMMB is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal.”
The facility is set to become operational immediately, with the Ministry already initiating measures to ensure it is fully staffed and equipped to meet the needs of the community. Kitwan further highlighted that the expanded capacity would enhance the hospital’s ability to handle emergencies and provide continuous, high-quality care for newborns, a crucial development for both the hospital and the wider Kitui community.
The handover ceremony was attended by key figures from CMMB, including Dr. Virginia Muviku and Irene Mbithi, along with Nursing Officer in Charge of the Newborn Unit, Rama Mulewa, BioMed Engineer, and other senior officials. The event signaled a significant milestone in Kitui County’s ongoing efforts to elevate healthcare services, particularly in areas vital to the well-being of mothers and children.
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