Dagoretti hospital to run 24-hours
A cross section of government hospitals in the city will begin operating round the clock from January next year.
They will have medical staff work in shifts to boost service delivery at a time private clinics are mushrooming in all estates.
The move is expected to enhance quality service and reduce deaths associated with questionable professional services during emergencies.
Low-end estates
Nairobi County Health Executive Dr Timothy King’ondu confirmed the plans and revealed that they will use Dagoretti sub-district hospital to start with.
“The government offers the best medical services and medicines. Unfortunately, the services end at 5pm. We are awakening to the realities of the need to offer the services all day and night,” said Dr King’ondu.
According to Dr King’ondu, emergency situations require better expertise which may not be available in private clinics operating during the night.
On Tuesday, NairobiNews visited the hospital and found the management board meeting over the plans.
The chief nurse, Mr Abel Mokaya said security was the only remaining obstacle to the roll out of the 24-hour service.
“The hospital does not have a fence. We are erecting one and we hope it will be complete very soon,” Mr Mokaya said.
Dr King’ondu said others being considered are health centres and dispensaries in low-end estates. He promised to issue a comprehensive list next week.
“Health is a key pillar in the governor’s agenda. Most of the programmes we are rolling out are geared towards achieving affordable health for all residents,” Mr King’ondu said.
More than 20 health centres and dispensaries are targeted in the first phase of the programme.
Security for hospital staff and patients seeking services and access to such hospitals using vehicles are the twin worries that top the list in the hurdles that face the programme.