Siaya Referral Hospital Undergoes Major Upgrade With New Theatres, ICU [Photos]

Siaya County Referral Hospital is undergoing a major modernisation and expansion project that will introduce new surgical theatres, an intensive care unit (ICU) and advanced diagnostic facilities.

In an update on Friday, October 9, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project, implemented jointly by the national and county governments, is expected to transform the facility into a Level 5 referral hospital with a capacity of 500 beds.

He said the investment was part of the government's efforts to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms with modern infrastructure and equipment.

"Access to quality, affordable and efficient healthcare is a non-negotiable right and the Government's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms are being matched with the infrastructure and equipment needed to make this a reality," he wrote.

Omollo noted that the expansion was being undertaken through collaboration between the two levels of government, with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) engineers leading the construction works.

"The comprehensive modernisation and expansion of Siaya County Referral Hospital, implemented jointly by the national and county governments with construction led by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) engineers, is transforming the facility into a Level 5 referral hub for the Lake Victoria region, with capacity set to rise to 500 beds," he added.

According to Omollo, the new Surgical Theatre and ICU Complex has completed civil works and is undergoing final equipping ahead of its operationalisation. 

The complex will feature four modern operating theatres, a 10-bed intensive care unit and a Central Sterile Services Department.

The facility will also have pharmacies, X-ray services and CT-scan equipment to strengthen its capacity to handle complex medical cases and improve diagnostic services.

Beyond the surgical and critical care facilities, construction is progressing on additional infrastructure intended to expand the hospital's services and accommodate more patients.

"Work is also advancing on a specialised Mother and Child Complex, an Accident, Emergency and Outpatient Department with a dialysis centre and expanded inpatient wards designed to ease congestion and improve isolation capacity," he further said.

Omollo said the programme was providing specialised equipment to complement the new infrastructure and improve the hospital's ability to diagnose and manage different medical conditions.

"Through the National Equipment Supplies Programme, the Ministry of Health is deploying digital X-ray systems, advanced laboratory equipment and specialised cardiology units to complement the new infrastructure," he noted.

Omollo said the government is also linking investments in healthcare infrastructure to reforms in health financing, which are intended to make medical services more affordable for households.

"The expanded capacity will be complemented by health-financing reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Taifa Care, which seek to reduce reliance on out-of-pocket payments and ease the financial burden of medical care on households," he concluded.

Elsewhere, the government has unveiled the newly completed Amagoro ESP Market in Busia County. 

In a statement on Sunday, October 4, Omollo said the market is expected to strengthen economic activity and trade along the Kenya-Uganda border. 

He noted that the market provides a central trading hub for local enterprises and will support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

"The newly constructed Amagoro ESP Market in Busia County is strengthening economic infrastructure for communities along the Kenya–Uganda border. 

"By providing a modern trading hub, the project will support local enterprises, facilitate regional trade and create greater opportunities for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise sector," he said.

The market comprises two modern single-storey blocks with 200 smart stalls, display areas, secure storage, offices and cold rooms for perishable goods. 

The facility also has a revenue office, ICT hub, social hall, food court, ATM lobby and an accessible ablution block.

Omollo highlighted that the market will provide traders with a safer, organized and more productive trading environment while supporting commercial activities around the key regional gateway.

"The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration continues to foster security and effective administration at Kenya's entry and exit points, creating a secure environment for cross-border movement," he added.