Sh5m facelift on KNH cancer ward to ease clog

By MAUREEN ABWAO

NAIROBI, KENYA: The expansion and renovation of the Children’s Oncology Ward 3D at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has officially been launched. Wednesday, Israel Ambassador to Kenya Gil Haskel launched the project whose initial budget cost is Sh5 million and is expected to be complete in a month’s time.

Once complete, the project which is a partnership between the Israeli  Construction company Reynold Construction, Crown Paints, Israel’s Embassy in Kenya and the local Jewish community will offer a more comfortable and conducive environment to young patients hospitalised at the facility.

Speaking during the launch, KNH Chief Executive Officer Lily Koros noted the renovation will go a long way to help ease congestion at the facility since the current children’s cancer ward accommodates excess patients.

The numbers are said to have increased due to the number of referral cases that are referred to the hospital. “This has forced us to have these children admitted in the other pediatric wards which are not conducive for cancer patients,” said Koros

The CEO thanked the Israel Government for its continued support through strategic partnerships with the hospital which have helped the Kenya Government in overcoming some of the challenges being experienced in the health sector.

In 2011, a similar initiative was undertaken by the Embassy with the support of thw Jewish community in Kenya where Ward 1E which also caters for children suffering from cancer received a facelift.

DIPLOMATIC TIES

 The Israeli Ambassador noted that the project which the Embassy has undertaken for the second time in 5 years is part of ongoing co-operation between Israeli and the KNH.

“It is also a testament to the ties that bind our two nations and the commitment of Israel to continue to support Kenya’s medical sector for the well-being of all Kenyans,” said Amb.Haskel.

Apart from the facelift, the Embassy will also facilitate staff training as well as provide consultancy services through their highly qualified medical professionals.

Also present at the launch was the Managing Director of Reynold Construction Company and CEO Crown Paints, Rakesh Rao.