County launches ‘Sanduku La Daktari’ kits

Anyone seeking treatment in any public health facility within Machakos County will undergo a one-stop check-up for blood pressure, blood sugar as well as body temperature before further treatment can be administered.

Governor Alfred Mutua on Wednesday launched triage kits dubbed ‘Sanduku la daktari’ at Matuu level 4 hospital in a move he termed as ‘innovative addition’ to the county’s healthcare system.

“These triage kits comprise equipment to test blood pressure, blood sugar and body temperature at the first stage of treatment at every health centre across the county. We are the first Government in Kenya to deploy them,” Dr Mutua said while launching the equipment in Matuu in Yatta Sub County.

He was flanked by his deputy, Francis Maliti, Health executive, Ancent Kituku as well as dozens of members of the county assembly and senior county government officials.

He said the county government was targeting to have the triage boxes in all healthcare centers and in ambulances by this December. “As a forward thinking county, our plan is to not only provide free healthcare but also provide quality healthcare in Machakos,” he said.

His deputy, Eng Maliti said the county government was committed to giving healthcare one of the highest priorities even through budget allocation. “We are working in collaboration with the county assembly to ensure that sufficient cash is budgeted for healthcare services which is top on the list of our priority areas,” he said.

And the County Health minister, Ancent Kituku said, “The usage of these triage kits will henceforth become part of the requisite standard operating procedures in all public health centres in order to enhanced accurate diagnosis of medical conditions.”