Kenyans living in the US donate health equipment worth Sh15m to Vihiga Hospital

Vihiga, Kenya: The health sector got a major boost after well-wishers from America, calling themselves Friends of Vihiga, donated medical equipment worth Sh15 million.

The equipment included dialysis gear, ultra sound machines, ICU unit, oxygen cylinders, physiotherapy machines alongside dental chairs and modern beds. They were donated to Vihiga Hospital in Mbale town and received by Governor Moses Akaranga.

Mr Akaranga said the donation was as a result of mobilisation during his visit to the United States of America last year.

"I am happy that Friends of Vihiga and donors in America whom we approached during my visit responded with this donation," he said.

He was accompanied by the County Assembly health committee chairperson Noah Mmbwanga, who lauded the move by the donors.

Mr Mmbwanga said this would be the first time in the region for a hospital to be fully equipped with modern equipment.

"We are happy about this donation by Kenyans and Americans from the US. We want more health facilities in the county so that our people can access and enjoy services easily, and at an affordable rate," said Mmbwanga.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Akaranga said the hospital has been referring many patients to hospitals in Kisumu, Kakamega and Eldoret due to lack of facilities to handle serious ailments.

"The county hospital refers 100 per cent of patients to other referral hospitals in neighbouring counties because it has been ill equipped. With the donation, this will be a thing of the past," said Akaranga.

County Health Director Quido Ahindukha asked the county to facilitate the installation of the machines immediately, to enable the staff learn how to handle them.

"Expectations of patients are high. They expect to use the facilities immediately," Dr Ahindukha said.