Outcry over poor health service in Nturukuma

Nanyuki,

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

KNA by Muturi Mwangi

Residents of the Nturukuma location in Laikipia East Sub County have decried poor sanitation services and lack of medical supply at the local dispensary.

Speaking in Nturukuma dispensary, residents lamented that the only dispensary in the area had no toilet which forced them to answer calls of nature at nearby bushes which was a risk to their lives.

They said that the toilet that was available was in bad shape and was inaccessible, hence calling on the county government to intervene and construct that essential facility.

Nyambura Mwangi, a resident, noted that it was a shame to the county leadership for lack of a toilet at the dispensary despite residents coming out in large numbers to elect them as their leaders in the past general election.

 “The hospital has no toilet and the condition is terrible here. It’s a shame for such a big institution. We appeal for our county leadership to intervene and address this situation,” urged Ms Mwangi.

Ann Macharia called on the county leadership to tour the facility and see how residents were affected by the bad situation at the Nturukuma dispensary.

Macharia Njomo lamented that the facility, despite being in their locality, had no benefit to them since it had inadequate medics and the few who served them lived far away due to lack of accommodation at the hospital.

“Lack of good health service here at Nturukuma is a major concern; we are suffering despite having the dispensary which lacks adequate health personnel. We call for urgent intervention if possible,” said Njomo.

He said that, once they got sick at night, they had to wait until the following day to get medical services.

Njomo further decried that, the facility despite having a maternity wing was not operational which brought untold suffering to women in the area.

He called on the county government to equip the facility and aimed at ensuring they benefit and they don’t walk far distances in search of medical services.

Njuria Nyamu, also a resident, said the facility which lacked a laboratory led them to get the wrong disease diagnosis which was a risk to their lives, and at the same time called for urgent intervention.

Grace Wambui, a resident, reiterated the need for the hospital to be equipped with a laboratory to ensure they get proper disease diagnosis.

Laikipia County Chief Officer in charge of health, Dr. Timothy Panga declined to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu promised Laikipia residents during his inauguration speech in August last year, that streamlining the health sector was one of his top priorities.

That was after the county boss reinstated 66 doctors who were sacked by his predecessor Nderitu Muriithi.

Courtesy; KNA