Virus used to damage Meru county CT Scan

Health Executive William Muraah in the control room, from where the CT scan machine is operated. The machine was damaged when a technician allegedly introduced a virus. [PHOTO: PETER MUTHOMI/Standard]

A technician introduced a virus into a Sh47 million CT Scan machine, an official claimed yesterday.

Meru County Health Executive William Muraah took the Press around the Meru County Referral Hospital to view the damaged equipment.

Dr Muraah claimed the technician was working under the direction of people he said were out to sabotage the county government. He did not name anybody but he said action would be taken against the technician.

“The technician introduced a virus into the software on Wednesday, damaging it. We are going to use Sh400,000 to repair it and expect it to be in operation by the end of this week,” Muraah said.

He said the oxygen plant and sewer line that serve the hospital were also damaged by staff who seemed to be working for the people he did not name. “The compressor at the oxygen plant was damaged, thus affecting service,” he said.

The workers who are supposed to ensure there was enough pressure to pump oxygen into sections of the hospital where it was needed absconded duty, leaving patients in peril.

“The hospital’s management committee met and directed all the responsible staff to step aside as investigations continue,” Muraah said. He said the staffers involved will be held accountable.