Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has announced plans to set up a Level 3 health facility adjacent to Machakos Level 5 Hospital. The move aims to decongest the county’s main referral hospital and improve service delivery to the growing urban population in Machakos Town and its environs.
The governor made the announcement during an impromptu visit to the Level 5 facility, where she noted the increasing strain on the referral hospital due to a high number of walk-in patients seeking treatment for minor ailments. She emphasized that the upcoming Level 3 facility will cater primarily to such patients, thereby allowing Level 5 to focus on referral cases and critical care.
“We have noted that there’s a high number of patients with minor illnesses flocking to Level 5, which is basically a referral facility. To reduce congestion and improve healthcare services, we have taken the bold step to open a Level 3 wing to handle these cases,” Governor Wavinya stated.
The new facility is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for patients with minor ailments, ensuring that they receive timely treatment. The entrance to the Level 3 facility will be strategically located facing the main Machakos stage, improving accessibility and convenience for patients. By diverting non-critical cases away from Level 5, medical personnel at the referral hospital will be able to dedicate more time and resources to patients requiring specialized care.
Governor Wavinya also highlighted the importance of efficiency in healthcare service delivery, particularly in relation to the Social Health Authority (SHA). During her visit, she observed that SHA’s system takes time to process patients and clear them, which further exacerbates congestion at the hospital. She emphasized the need for a streamlined system integration between the county and national government to enhance efficiency and ensure seamless healthcare service delivery.
“Time that is meant to help treat patients with urgent cases is taken up by walk-ins with minor illnesses, and that’s why we opted for a Level 3 facility. We must also fast-track system integration to ensure efficiency in service delivery,” she added.
The establishment of the Level 3 health facility marks a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access in Machakos County. By optimizing hospital resources and ensuring that patients receive timely treatment, the county government aims to improve the overall quality of healthcare services for its residents. The project is expected to bring much-needed relief to both patients and healthcare providers while setting a precedent for improved medical infrastructure in the region.
