Governor irked over filth, laxity at hospital

Governor Alfred Mutua yesterday made an impromptu tour of the Machakos Level Five Referral Hospital and was displeased by the state of the facility. Dr Mutua, appearing in public for the first time since the Supreme Court upheld his election victory, warned senior hospital staff against lethargy, saying the managers must address the "unsatisfactory standards".

The governor, accompanied by his deputy Francis Maliti, caught the hospital management by surprise.

He toured the hospital compound, toilets, in-patient and out-patient sections, pharmacy and the hospital cafeteria, where he interacted with patients and the public as he inquired from them the quality of services offered.

Health Executive Ruth Mutua, Hospital Superintendent Hellen Nzuki, Chief Officer in Charge of Health Jackson Nthanga and the governor’s advisor on health matters Ancent Kituku were present. At one point, the governor shocked the public and his handlers when he jumped over a pavement to collect litter.

“You don’t need any money to clean the hospital compound, empty garbage bins or even clean toilets. Somebody must be held accountable for this lethargy,” Mutua said. However, the governor commended doctors, nurses and other health professionals for offering efficient services under the Universal Health Coverage programme.

To decongest the health facility, the governor said proper patients referral system would be put in place to ensure minor cases were handled at health centres, dispensaries, Level Three and Four hospitals.

Meanwhile, the governor has extended an olive branch to a section of MCAs that he previously accused of frustrating his development agenda. Mutua said he was ready to work with all leaders for the sake of delivering development to residents of Machakos.

“I invite all MCAs and even MPs tomorrow (today) to join me as I commission Kivandini-Masinga road, which was upgraded by the county government,” he said.