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Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe (pictured) has asked counties to equip hospitals to enable them handle an upsurge in coronavirus infections as third wave hits the country.
The CS told the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, that the burden of the virus is beginning to stretch the country’s health system.
Even with a surge in infections, he said, patients in need of critical care are referred to Nairobi for treatment, causing congestion and risk of more infections.
“People are travelling to Nairobi, yet they should be treated in their respective counties. We have given money to counties to equip hospitals with oxygen, ventilators and Intensive Care Units (ICU). Counties are currently not having a shortage of anything,” said Kagwe.
He said most hospitals in the capital city are constrained with high ICU admissions.
Kagwe said the third wave of the virus was spreading faster and widely, as compared to the previous waves.
“The third wave is more severe…We are therefore enforcing containment measures that we believe will help stop its spread. This includes limiting attendance in weddings and funerals, among other events that escalate spread of the virus,” he told the Senate.
According to the ministry’s Covid-19 situation report of March 17, 2021, at least 754 patients were admitted to hospitals across the country, with 2,167 being managed under home-based care.
The March 16 report noted that Nairobi and Mombasa had the highest attack rate of 1,190.3 and 780.7 per 100,000 people, respectively.
“They have highest ICU admissions. Currently, 100 patients are being managed in the ICU, with Nairobi having highest admissions,” the CS said.
But, despite high infections, he maintained the country was well equipped, unlike in the past, to boost health care services.
Kagwe had appeared before the Senate committee to respond to questions on the nationwide Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
According to the ministry, there are no major side effects of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on those vaccinated.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Mercy Mwangangi said common side effects reported include pain at the injection site, headache, tiredness and muscle ache.
She said although a number of countries have suspended the use of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine to allow investigations regarding its linkage to formation of clots, no direct link or casualty has been established in Kenya.
“It is noteworthy that a number of countries such as Canada, Spain, Italy, France and Belgium have resumed its use,” said Dr Mwangangi.
“The Ministry of Health, supported by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, is monitoring reported side effects and so far, no significant side effects that would warrant investigations and/or deaths have been reported.”
According to data from the Ministry of Health at least 20,000 people have been vaccinated.
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