Reprieve as Ngong Hospital gets life-saving lab

Residents of Ngong, Kajiado County, now have access to crucial medical testing following the launch of a modern laboratory at Ngong Sub-County Hospital.

Previously, patients faced long journeys and high costs for specialised tests. Hospital Superintendent Faith Masenge stated that the facility will be a game-changer, especially for expectant mothers and patients with chronic conditions.

Masenge lauded the new project, saying that patients had suffered for a long time.

"It's amazing that we will now be able to serve our patients here. Previously, we had to refer them to Kajiado Referral Hospital or Machakos for various blood tests," said Masenge.

The laboratory aims to address years of strained healthcare services, highlighting the need for sustainable investments in public health infrastructure.

The facility is a contribution from the Safaricom Foundation's ‘Ndoto Zetu Uwezo Wetu’ initiative. It is set to ease the long-standing difficulties faced by patients requiring specialised tests.

Dr Masenge also stated that the facility will help reduce cases of infant mortality. Over the years, expectant mothers were often left in the hands of village midwives due to the locals' rigid cultural beliefs.

She said the facility will also help reduce cases of Infant mortality according to the county Department of Health.

Over the years, expectant mothers were left in the hands of village midwives in line with the native's rigid culture and beliefs prompting many cases of mother-infant deaths during childbirth.

Different health stakeholders have stepped up safe birth sensitization forums a notch higher resulting in dozens of women seeking services from the Hospital. Dozens of expectant mothers from far-flung areas are now flocking to the facility.

Previously patients requiring different lab services were being referred to neighbouring counties due to congestion at the sub-county hospital

Speaking while handing over the facility to the county government, the Foundation's manager in charge of Regulatory Compliance, Catherine Wanjiku Mbuthia, urged the locals to take advantage of the opportunity rather than travel long distances for services.

The Foundation launched the sixth phase of Ndoto Zetu in April last year at a total cost of KES 100 Million, where Kenyans got an opportunity to apply for projects of their choice in education, health and economic empowerment.