Medical engineering department is well-oiled

This is in response to an article in PointBlank on November 3, attributed to Mr Jimmy J on the Medical Engineering Unit (Medical unit needs radical redesigning).

The unit is mandated to ensure availability and safety of medical equipment and plants in public medical facilities.

It has 378 staff, comprising one medical engineer, 117 medical engineering technologists, 237 medical engineering technicians, four charge hands (electrical and mechanical) and 19 artisans.

Officers have been posted in all districts and provincial hospitals, except newly created districts.

We would like to inform your reader that engineering work in our hospitals is ‘biomedical’, not ‘clinical’.

The situation is under control and does not warrant any cause for alarm.

The ministry is concerned about maintenance of medical equipment. An analysis of broken down equipment indicates 90 per cent cannot be repaired due to lack of spare parts. Currently the ministry is undertaking hospital reforms to enhance quality and accessibility of services, including rehabilitating and equipping hospitals with new equipment.

Purchase of medical equipment is done through open tender.

For the past two financial years the ministry has not procured equipment and this year’s purchases are being done by Kenya Medical Supplies Agency.

Lastly, communication between headquarters and field staff is done through official channels.

The Biomedical Engineering Unit receives and responds to all monthly, annual and quarterly reports, and any other issues.

The ministry welcomes such reports as they expose areas within public institutions that require strengthening. We will continue to provide direction and leadership for better medical care services to all.

Judy Sirima,

PR and Communications Officer,

For: Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Medical Services.