The quest by Siaya Governor James Orengo's administration to improve access to maternity services has received a boost following the opening of maternity theatre complex at Madiany sub-county hospital in Rarieda.
The complex which was opened for use Saturday is expected to reduce maternal and infant mortality as well as improve outcomes of delivery.
The theatres signal the commencement of assisted deliveries (cesarean sections) and other gynecological procedures at the Madiany sub-county facility.
Initially, residents living in Rarieda sub-county had to travel to Bondo sub-county hospital to seek critical procedures.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at the facility, the facility's Medical Superintendent Dr Josephine Nyasoro said the opening of the maternity theatre will handle over 50 emergency cases that are normally referred to Bondo Sub-County Hospital.
She noted the need to increase the bed capacity from 50 to 150, support the hospital laboratory and pharmacy, install and service the X-ray machine, and build a perimeter wall.
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"We thank the county government for this great milestone. It will go a long way in ensuring efficient service delivery to the people," said Dr Nyasoro.
Chief Officer of Health Dr Samuel Omondi noted that the county government has hired medical officers, anaesthetists, and nurses that will make sure that the theatre is fully functional.
Dr Omondi said apart from the operationalization of the maternity theatre, other critical things are on the pipeline for the sub-county hospital like hiring more nurses and the X-ray unit of the hospital which is expected to start working next week.
According to the health officials, the hospital is also expected to enhance its referral system with two new ambulances which is expected to be in place by the end of next month.
"Hiring of competent staff demonstrates the county’s commitment of not only availing modern medical equipment but also a competent workforce to manage the equipment and also take care of those seeking health services in the facility," said Dr Omondi.
Governor James Orengo's spouse Betty Orengo said that the opening of the theatre was in line with the county government’s efforts to ensure that all the six sub-county hospitals within Siaya have proper maternity theatres.
In the year 2023, the Rarieda subcounty made 471 maternal referrals while between January to June 2024, they made 157 referrals to Bondo subcounty hospital.
According to the health department statistics, between January to June, the facility reported eight neonatal mortality and four perinatal deaths.