Mbagathi Hospital performs landmark reconstructive surgery

A team of surgeons conducted an Ossicular chain reconstruction surgery on a patient on October 6, 2022. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

In a groundbreaking development for Nairobi's healthcare sector, Mbagathi Level 5 Hospital has successfully performed its first-ever complex reconstructive plastic surgery.

This historic achievement marks a significant leap forward in the hospital's capabilities and showcases the impact of recent infrastructure improvements.

On May 23, 2024, 29-year-old Benard Sigei was admitted to Mbagathi Hospital with a challenging case of tendinitis resulting from multiple tendon, nerve, and vascular injuries to his left hand.

Dr Chaudry Areeb, a specialized plastic and reconstructive surgeon, led a team of four doctors in a three-hour procedure that has given Sigei a new lease on life.

"Mr Sigei was experiencing incessant joint inflammation," Dr Areeb said, "We examined him using our newly installed CT scan and proceeded with the reconstructive plastic surgery."

This milestone surgery is not an isolated incident but part of a series of advancements at Mbagathi Hospital.

In February 2024, the facility conducted its first brain surgery, led by Dr Tom Mboya, the hospital's first neurosurgeon.

Additionally, the hospital has performed groundbreaking procedures such as cementless hip surgery, also known as Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Dr Alexander Irungu, CEO of Mbagathi Hospital, attributes these achievements to recent upgrades in infrastructure and equipment. "These procedures are made possible after refurbishment of theatres and upgrading of essential equipment with the support of Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson," he said.

The transformation of Mbagathi Hospital is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare services in Nairobi County. Governor Sakaja's administration has implemented several changes, including the introduction of CEO positions at Level 5 hospitals to improve management and service delivery.

"With the support of improved infrastructure, refurbished theatres, upgraded labs, and installation of CT scans, we have introduced many services since Governor Sakaja took office," Dr Irungu noted.

These improvements have significantly expanded the hospital's capacity to handle complex cases that were previously referred to national hospitals.

The impact of these upgrades extends beyond surgical capabilities. Mbagathi's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has seen its capacity increase from 20 to 90 beds, allowing the hospital to care for more mothers and newborns daily. This expansion is crucial in a city with growing healthcare needs.

For patients like Benard Sigei, these advancements mean access to high-quality, specialized care closer to home. While his surgery expenses were not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), requiring an out-of-pocket payment of ksh 300,000, the availability of such advanced procedures at a county hospital represents a significant step forward in healthcare accessibility.

Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of these developments: "These changes aim to bring significant improvements in service delivery, which I believe have been successfully achieved. They are part of my administration's strategy to enhance service delivery and operations at county hospitals."

As Mbagathi Hospital continues to expand its capabilities, it not only provides better care for Nairobi's residents but also helps decongest national hospitals. This shift allows for more efficient distribution of healthcare resources across the country.