Following a recent article spotlighting concerns surrounding Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), it has sparked a wave of varied reactions among residents.
Community members have taken to social media and local forums to voice their thoughts, with opinions spanning from support and calls for reform to criticism of healthcare services.
The coverage has ignited an important conversation around the quality of care, patient experience, and broader issues within the hospital system, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
Earlier, there were claims meted on Dr. Oimeke Mariita, the CEO moving county staff out of KTRH, and transfers of Specialist Clinicians and Community Health nurses.
James Kembero, a frustrated resident, says, “I spoke with several former colleagues at KTRH, and they expressed deep frustration and demoralization under the current management. There is uncertainty about their future work placements, and they question the leadership style that reassigns people almost daily.”
He has rejected claims, saying it’s only the mandate of the Health Department under the supervision of the Chief Officer, who is the Chairperson of the Departmental Human Resource Advisory Committee (DHRAC). He says he is only mandated to do internal rotations.
In a televised clip from the management, ‘’I have seen a lot of negativity about our CT scan, but as of 23rd October 31, 2024, or CT scan was up and running, we have attended to patients and all other imaging is functional, we want to dispel rumors that this machine is not working.’’ Mariita said.
The hospital with 5 theatre rooms as depicted by the CEO in a live radio interview.
“We have a 700-bed capacity and most of the time 90-95 percent of beds are occupied for an approximation of 630 people and in ICU and HDU oxygen is needed,” said Mariita.
In general wards, “At any given time, out of 630 patients 63 are on oxygen. The demand for oxygen in KTRH is high surpassing the plants we have. “Plans of adding Oxygen Plants?
The hospital boss reports that “In theatre, already quarter one (July, August, and September) we have managed to do 1,650 operations and if we continue with the same rate, by the end of this financial year we shall clock over 7,000 as compared to financial year, 4,202.”
The hospital has been accused of poor customer care services and poor hospitality disadvantaging the underprivileged.
Residents have affirmed that several activities are running despite the private wing services which are in limbo.
‘’There are challenges in the hospital but there is a smooth running of events efficiency remains the puzzle. Private wing is unclear to the public but the management should adequately spend more time and educate the public on the services it’s offering to set the clear picture for the public.’’ Obed Ongori a resident in Kisii who received services recently at the hospital.
KTRH is projecting to have a cardiologist take the task of open-heart surgeries.
Without giving the timelines, Spine surgeon services have been introduced and the services are operating. Mariita, reports that neurosurgeon services and machines performing the tasks are set to kick off.
By the time of publication, Mr. Ronald Gideon Nyakweba, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, had not responded to repeated requests for comment regarding the current conditions at the county health facility.
