Murang’a county government in collaboration with Benacare Kenya has rolled out an outreach programme to reach kidney patients in remote areas.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata launched a truck fitted with three dialysis equipment designed to access interior parts of the county.
Speaking at Kiwara District Hospital on Saturday, Kang’ata said his administration has increased dialysis machines to 16 from the four he inherited in 2022 after he took office.
“With collaboration with Benacare, the county government will honour some of the pledges on health care, as those suffering from kidney problems will be attended to,” he said.
The governor who was accompanied by Health Chief Officer Eliud Maina and MCAs announced that the mobile dialysis unit will offer life saving service to Murang’a patients in the villages.
“The truck with the dialysis units will crisscross all the health facilities in the county, ensuring that kidney patients no longer have to travel long distances for treatment,” he said.
Kang’ata said the mobile dialysis unit will ensure residents receive service at their local health centres.
“This will save the locals from incurring travelling expenses. This is in addition to the telemedicine programme service in dispensaries across Murang’a County. “
We have more health care programmes, which have helped the majority,” he added.
Maina Mwangi, a kidney patient from Kandara, welcomed the initiative, saying this will save them from travelling long distances to access healthcare.
“The programme is a milestone as it will particularly benefit elderly patients and those from low-income backgrounds who struggle to access specialised care,” said Mwangi.
Mercy Wanjiru said the community's volunteers should go around the villages searching for those in need of dialysis.