Senate committee visit reveals lack of mosquito nets in wards at Kisii Refferal Hospital

By Peter Ochieng

Members of the Senate committee on health on Saturday undertook a comprehensive inspection of the Kisii County Referral Hospital, where they got a chance to scrutinise the hospital's functions, including infrastructure, medical equipment and supplies.

The Senators, led by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Arap Mandago were confronted with both negative and positive aspects of how the hospital is being managed.

According to a statement from the Parliament of Kenya, the legislatures praised the hospital management for its proficient handling of operations, with particular accolades directed towards the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), renal unit, mortuary services, and the mother and baby project.

However, they pinpointed critical areas of concern.

"Notable among these were the inadequate record-keeping practices, procurement procedure flaws, staff shortages, a leaking roof in one of the storage areas, a malfunctioning incinerator, and a deficient oxygen supply system," the statement reads in part.

Senators realised that some of the wards in the major hospital lack mosquito nets.

"The inspection also brought to light additional issues, such as the absence of window curtains and mosquito nets in some wards, which could compromise patient comfort and safety. The renal unit was observed to be under strain, with patients facing extended wait times due to the breakdown of five dialysis machines, leaving only seven in operation."

Senator Mandago said, "Can't you fix this floor? This can easily cause infection," after noticing that the floor in one of the rooms was not in a good condition.

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri voiced her concerns regarding the delivery unit, where only one of three rooms is operational.

"Make these rooms work, mothers cannot be waiting unnecessarily when there are other rooms that can be easily reworked to have adequate ventilation so that they can help our mothers."

The Senators then met governor Paul Simba Arati for a debriefing session.

Arati acknowledged the hospital's challenges and the need for improvements.