Murang’a expands dialysis services to boost renal care

BERNARD MUNYAO - KNA

Murang’a County has significantly expanded dialysis services across several public health facilities, offering renewed hope and relief to patients battling kidney disease.

The county administration, under the leadership of Governor Irungu Kang’ata, has rolled out an ambitious plan aimed at decentralizing dialysis services, reducing congestion at referral hospitals and lowering the cost and distance patients travel to access life-saving treatment.

At Murang’a Level 5 Hospital, the number of dialysis machines has been increased from four to 12, greatly enhancing the hospital’s capacity to handle patients in need of renal care.

The expansion is expected to benefit residents from Mathioya, Kiharu and Kangema sub-counties, who previously endured long waiting lists due to limited equipment.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, Governor Kang’ata noted that the additional machines will enable more patients to receive timely and regular dialysis sessions, a critical requirement in managing chronic kidney disease.

He observed that in the past, the renal unit was overwhelmed by the growing number of patients, forcing some to be placed on waiting lists and others to travel long distances in search of services. 

Beyond the Level 5 facility, Kigumo Sub- County has also witnessed the establishment of a new dialysis unit at Kigumo Level 3 Hospital.

The unit has been equipped with four modern dialysis machines and is set to serve patients from Kigumo and neighboring Maragua Sub- County.

The move is expected to ease pressure on Murang’a Level 5 Hospital while improving access to care for residents in the southern part of the county.

“For many families, the new unit translates to reduced transport costs and less time spent travelling several times a week for treatment,” said Kang’ata.

The county has further introduced a mobile dialysis truck stationed at Kirwara Level 4 Hospital.

The mobile unit, fitted with four dialysis machines, operates on a rotational schedule to reach patients in various parts of the county.

According to the governor, the mobile dialysis unit is stationed at Gatura Health Centre on Mondays and Thursdays, Kirwara Level 4 Hospital on Tuesdays and Fridays, and Maragua Level 4 Hospital on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The service is designed to benefit patients from Kandara, Gatanga and Lower Murang’a, areas.