Residents of Kandara Sub-county in Murang’a County and neighbouring areas, are set to benefit from improved healthcare services following the commissioning of Phase Two of Kandara Level 4 Hospital, which has added critical medical facilities, including two operating theatres and wards.

The expansion is part of the Murang’a County government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, increase hospital capacity and bring specialized medical services closer to residents.

Speaking when launching the new facilities at the Hospital, Saturday, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, said the newly commissioned Phase features fully equipped consultation rooms, two operating theatres, a pharmacy, a laboratory and additional wards, which will enhance the hospital’s capacity to handle a wider range of medical cases.

He noted that the expanded facility would ease pressure on existing health institutions by improving access to medical services and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances in search of specialized treatment.

Kang’ata observed that the investment was aimed at ensuring residents receive quality, accessible and dignified healthcare within their local communities.

The Governor further highlighted the establishment of a Digital Forensic Service Centre at the hospital, saying it would provide specialized services, while creating an additional revenue stream for the County government.

The Centre is expected to diversify the services offered at the facility and strengthen its role as an important healthcare institution in the region.

The latest commissioning builds on the earlier expansion of the hospital, which included new inpatient wards, designed to increase bed capacity and improve the delivery of medical services.

With the additional infrastructure, the Governor explained, the Hospital is expected to improve patient flow, provide better working conditions for healthcare professionals and strengthen the delivery of both outpatient and inpatient services.

The commissioning was accompanied by a free medical camp, that provided residents with general consultations, health screenings and other essential medical services.

The exercise enabled members of the community, to access basic healthcare services, while raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and preventive healthcare.

Kang’ata said the County government would continue investing in the upgrading, expansion and equipping of health facilities, to address the growing demand for medical services.

He added that strengthening healthcare infrastructure remained a key priority in the County’s development agenda, with the objective of ensuring residents access quality treatment without facing unnecessary financial and geographical barriers.

The Kandara hospital expansion comes amid growing demand for public healthcare services, putting pressure on existing facilities and highlighting the need for increased capacity, modern equipment and specialized services.

The County government has been undertaking similar investments across its health facilities, as part of efforts to decentralize healthcare delivery and improve access to essential medical services.

By Bernard Munyao