By Brenda Kubai
Residents of Igembe East Ward in Kiengu Sub-County have expressed optimism following the reopening of Nthambiro Health Center that has lied idle for nearly eight years.
The facility, which had fallen into disrepair and disuse after the departure of former Meru Governor Peter Munya, has now been renovated and relaunched by the current administration of Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia.
Governor Mutuma expressed his commitment to revitalizing the health facility and ensuring it serves the community effectively.
“We will deploy more staff to the health facility and ensure they have a conducive working environment so that our people get uninterrupted services,” he said.
A maternity wing at the facility is expected to boost maternal care services in the region.
Expectant women, the Governor said, will now be able to access regular antenatal care and safe delivery services with ease.
An ambulance for emergency services that had been reassigned to another facility will be reverted back and a local driver who had been laid off will be reinstated according to the Governor.
Deputy Governor Linda Kiome revealed plans for a medical outreach program in the area, aimed at encouraging women to consider hospital deliveries over home births that she said were unsafe.
This as reports show that three in five women in Kiengu Sub-County deliver at home.
The area’s Deputy County Commissioner, Laura Kedonde, also weighed in, stressing the importance of the maternity wing in combating maternal deaths.
Area MCA Murithi Mitiria appealed for the elevation of the dispensary to a Level 4 facility.
“If we could get a theatre and a ward, our people will not struggle with referrals,” he said, adding that the upgrade would ensure more effective healthcare services for residents.
Also in attendance was Deputy County Commissioner Laura Kedonde.
