Kisumu County gets Sh200 million ultramodern Referral hospital

Sheikh Zayed Referral hospital in Holo Kisumu County constructed by Dal Al Ber group from United Arab Emirates at a cost of sh.200 million. The facility is expected to be operational in six months time, serving patients in the area and beyond. [Photo: Collins Oduor, Standard]

A United Arab Emirates-based organisation — Dal Al Ber — has handed over a Sh200m hospital to Kisumu County Government to start operations mid next year.

In a Public-Private Partnership deal, the Sheikh Zayed Referral Hospital based at Holo in Seme constituency will now be managed by the County Government in collaboration with the organisation.

Abdulkadir Omar, the Chief Executive Officer for Dawah Group, yesterday said the referral facility would bring health services closer to people, who on average travelled more than eight kilometers to access medical services.

Omar clarified that the hospital was not a business entity but a charitable facility where health services would be subsidised.

“Those with NHIF cover will be charged based on the cover policy but for the less fortunate it will be more of a charitable project,” Omar explained.

The group has drilled a Sh3 million borehole to sustain water supply in the facility.

Area chief Charles Otieno assured that the public would support the project.

Lacks electricity

Mr Otieno, however, said the facility lacked electricity supply, which had hindered key services.

“We have a borehole with adequate water but there lacks a channel system to supply water to the facility and the residents,” said Otieno.

County Executive for Industry, Trade and Energy Alice Moraa said the department would ensure the facility is connected to power.

Ms Moraa said there would also be an installation of solar power to be used at the borehole project, which will serve people within the radius of two kilometers.

“We will do all we can to ensure the project is successful and provides the most essential service of health to the people,” said Moraa.

She urged resident to register for Universal Health Coverage ahead of the hospital’s opening so they can access free medical care.

A Dal Al Ber Group representative Sadiq Abeid said the county government would help provide Human Resource services as the development partners provide medical equipment.

“Through the cooperation we expect the facility to be fully equipped and functional sooner,” said Mr Abeid.

He said the group built the hospital but it “belongs to the residents who will benefit most.”