Thika level 5 hospital sees surge in regional patients

Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu county. [File, Standard]

Augustine Kilonzi, a resident of Mwingi in Kitui County, faced a life-threatening ordeal following a serious tuk tuk accident.

Initially treated at Mwingi Level Four Hospital, Kilonzi underwent surgery to address injuries on his leg. However, complications set in, and his leg became severely infected.

Faced with the daunting possibility of amputation, he was referred to Thika Level Five Hospital. “I thought I was going to lose my leg completely, but the doctors here managed to save part of it. Still, I had to undergo partial amputation due to the complications,” recalls Kilonzi, reflecting on his painful journey to Thika.

While the outcome was not what he had hoped for, Kilonzi credits the hospital’s quality care with saving his life. “The doctors acted swiftly, and I don’t know where I’d be today without them,” he says.

Fatma, another resident of Kitui County, is currently recuperating at Thika Level Five Hospital after a series of complex medical procedures. This is her fifth time seeking treatment there. “I always return here because of the exceptional care. The staff are very professional, and the services top-notch,” she explains.

Leah Watiri from Gacharage in neighbouring Murang’a County agrees. “The services here are good, and that is why I keep coming back,” she says, as she undergoes treatment for a medical condition.

Mercy Wanjiku, also from Murang’a, is at the hospital for the second time for maternity care. “I delivered my first child here, and now I’m back for my second. The services are amazing, and the staff are very supportive,” she says.

These patients, among many others, highlight how Thika Level Five Hospital has become a medical hub not only for Kiambu County but for neighbouring counties.

Known for its high-quality healthcare services and accessibility, the hospital is now experiencing an unprecedented influx of patients from Nairobi, Murang’a, Machakos, Kitui and Kirinyaga counties.

What began as a local healthcare provider has quickly transformed into a regional lifeline, serving an expanding community and putting a strain on resources to meet the growing demand.

According to hospital data, around 30-40 per cent of patients treated at Thika Level Five Hospital come from neighbouring counties.

The Medical Superintendent of Thika Level Five Hospital, Dr. Charles Kagiri, commented on the rising demand and the hospital’s efforts to keep pace.

“The proximity and our reputation for excellent care are key factors drawing people to our hospital,” he explained.

To alleviate congestion at Thika Level Five and other health facilities, the county government is constructing three new Level 4 hospitals. County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Dr. Elias Maina, noted that to address the strain on the workforce, the county government is recruiting over 1,300 new workers, with some to be deployed to Thika Level Five Hospital.

Dr. Kagiri pointed out that the influx of patients—many from Murang’a, Nairobi, Machakos, and Kitui—has led to a significant surge in daily visits. “We are attending to over 2,000 patients daily. Our inpatient capacity of 550 beds is always full, and this has put a strain on human resources,” he admitted.

In response to the increasing pressure, the hospital is expanding services and adding more staff. “We are in the process of setting up a cancer centre to cater to the growing number of patients, and we are also transforming our reproductive health unit into a centre of excellence. These efforts align with our goal to offer a broad range of specialised services under one roof,” Dr. Kagiri added.