Blood bank opened in West Pokot to check deaths

By Wilberforce Netya

West Pokot, Kenya: A blood bank has been established in Kacheliba Sub County Hospital in West Pokot to control deaths caused by malaria, anaemia and Kalzaar diseases.

The equipment funded through the Constituency Development Fund at a cost of Sh.400, 000 is expected to serve patients seeking blood transfusion services in the entire sub county and its environs.

Kacheliba Medical Officer of Health Dr Martin Namuya pointed out that the facility will help control the three diseases which he noted to be common in the region.

He said many patients had lost lives from blood related infections since the hospital lacked the equipment to handle such complications and thanked the kitty committee for supporting installation of the machines at the hospital.

Dr Namuya revealed that medics at the hospital referred patients seeking blood transfusion and related services either to the Kapenguria District Hospital, some 40 kilometers away or to Amudat hospital in the neighboring Uganda.

“This is a malaria prone season hence we are so grateful for the support of installing the facility as it will go a long way in saving lives,” he explained.

However, Dr. Namuya was afraid that frequent power outages experienced in the area might render the facility void since blood storage dependeon power.

The MOH appealed to stakeholders in the health sector and well-wishers to aid in purchase of a standby.

Dr. Namuya was speaking on Wednesday at a function to officially hand over the machine to the hospital and community members.

The County Director of Health Services, Dr Solomon Kokwo observed that anaemia was common residents did not consider balancing their diets.

He advised members of the surrounding communities to eat food rich in iron whereas appealing to the government to initiate irrigation schemes to enable residents in the arid area get green vegetables rich in iron.

Area Senator John Lonyangapuo assured the community that he will spearhead the county government to buy a generator for the hospital beside reviving a water pump along Suam River to supply water to the hospital.

Pointing an accusing finger to the previous regimes for neglecting the stalled water pump for 20 years, Lonyangapuo added that the county government will set aside Sh10 million for its revival.