Kericho county: Treating burns a challenge

Doctors at the Kericho County hospital attend to one of the four children who sustained Changaa burns at their home in Cheplel village, Ainamoi constituency. [Standard]

Incidents of people, especially children, suffering severe burns have increased in the county. 

Last year alone, at least 149 children and 49 adults were admitted at the Kericho County Hospital's burn unit.

The  total number of adults and children admitted in the burn unit in the previous year was less than 100.

Last week, a woman and her four children were rushed to the health facility after they were severely scalded by hot Changaa.

Apparently the pot she was using to brew the illicit drink cracked open and spilled its contents on them.

Three of the minors succumbed to their injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital where they had been referred for specialised treatment. 

County Health Executive Shadrach Mutai yesterday appealed to MCAs to support the allocation of funds to equip a modern burn unit.

In the 2015-2016 financial year, and the subsequent years, MCAs blocked plans to fund the burn unit.

"Currently, we have no option but to refer patients who suffer severe burns to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital or Kijabe Mission Hospital," said Dr Mutai. 

"If we can get the support of the county assembly for the construction of a modern burn unit, we will be in a better place to offer specialised treatment to burn patients.” 

Mutai explained that it takes at least five hours for a patient to be transfered from Kericho to Nairobi.

"If the county can have a good burn unit, that time is enough to save someone's life," said  Mutai. 

While commenting on cancer treatment, Mutai said that that the tender for the construction of a cancer centre has been floated. 

"Currently, all the sub county hospitals have the capacity to screen for cancer. However, treatment is not possible here," said Mutai