Relief for locals as county hospital is installed with CT scan machine

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (left) inspects how the new CT-scan machine installed in Homa Bay County Referral Hospital operrates. [James Omoro, Standard]

Homa Bay residents are a happy lot following the establishment of a computerized tomography (CT) scan machine worth Sh45 million.

For several years, patients from the devolved unit have been forced to seek the services in other counties with some compelled to travel as far as Eldoret to get CT scan services.

A CT scan machine combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body.

CT scan images provide more detailed information than conventional X-rays.

They have been seeking services from hospitals in Kisumu, Kisii and Bomet counties.

But in a major boost to the health sector, the county government has purchased and installed a CT scan machine at Homa Bay County Referral hospital.

Governor Gladys Wanga officially unveiled the machine on Wednesday.

Wanga said the installation of the equipment is aimed at improving health services in the county.

She said the lack of a CT scan machine had affected residents for many years.

"CT scan services are very significant for patients with complicated illnesses. Homa Bay residents have been forced to travel to other counties due to a lack of equipment. I announce that the equipment is now with us and ready for use," Wanga said.

The Governor announced that the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) will cover the cost.

"CT scan services cost Sh8000 for a patient. But we have made arrangements to ensure NHIF covers them to make medical services accessible," Wanga said.

Residents expressed optimism that the machine is going to cushion them from the high cost of transporting patients to hospitals in other counties.

Kennedy Addams, a resident of Karachuonyo Constituency wanted to take his sick mother to Kisii for CT scan.

Due to financial constraints, he had difficulties in moving with his mother to Kisii Level Five hospital.

"My mother is unable to walk due to the problems in her bones. I was expected to take her to Kisii for medication but I had not done so due to a shortage of funds. I am grateful that she is going to be treated at our county referral hospital," Addams said.

Wanga also opened a new outpatient unit constructed and equipped at Sh26m. Wanga said her desire is to ensure Homa Bay County Referral Hospital is upgraded to level five status.

"Since we came to the office 120 days ago, we have managed to purchase the CT scan, and we have also ensured the renal unit is working. We have equipped the hospital so that it acquires the Level Five status," Wanga said.