Relief for kidney patients in Homa Bay as county puts up renal unit

Dialysis machines

Kidney patients in Homa Bay County can now access medication at the county's referral hospital following the construction of a renal unit.

The equipment was acquired in a collaboration between the county and national governments, and is expected to end the long journeys locals make to seek dialysis services in other counties.

According to the county Health Executive Lawrence Oteng',  kidney patients in Homa Bay used to be referred to hospitals in Kisumu and Uasin Gishu counties.

"We used to refer patients who needed dialysis services to hospitals in Kisumu and Eldoret towns because we lacked the necessary facilities here. But I am now happy that we have the equipment in our facility," said Dr Oteng'.

Oteng' said the county had trained medical practitioners on how to operate the equipment.

"Today we have patients receiving dialysis services because we now have medical experts who are handling the machines," said Oteng'.

Area residents have applauded the move, but appealed to the county government to address shortage of drugs in the hospital.

"There are many occasions where many drugs are not found in the hospital. If you go to the hospital, you are referred to chemists in town because they don't have certain drugs, we need well-equipped hospitals in the county," said Charles Juma, a resident.

The hospital is in the process of constructing a blood bank to combat shortage of blood. Two months ago, area MCAs visited the hospital and found dilapidated toilets and blood-stained bed sheets.