The commissioning of the Maternity Theatre at Madiany Sub-County Hospital denotes a strategic shift in the improved health status of the populace of Rarieda Sub-County. The opening of the facility by Siaya County First Lady Mama Betty Orengo and Siaya County Assembly Speaker Hon. George Okode is a clear indication that the county government is headed in the right direction in offering quality maternal health care services. This development goes in severally to fill a key deficit in the region’s healthcare needs, and puts into perspective the need for affordable healthcare for pregnant women.
The new facility will help mothers to have necessary intercessions like caesarian sections, examinations under anaesthesia, and treatment of ectopic pregnancies. In its previous setting, the hospital lacked functional maternity services, forcing them to transfer about six hundred pregnant women to other facilities. Such was rather dangerous circumstances for both mother and fetus, and it meant enhanced risk of complications and death. The theatre has now eased the referral, and expectant mothers no longer need to travel long distances. It can be anticipated that with such a compacted functional form of services, maternal and infant mortality in Rarieda will drop significantly, and in general, the health standard within the society will record an improvement.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Officer of Health, Dr. Omondi Omondi emphasized the Nyalore Government’s ardent focus on accessing quality health care. "What has made us open this facility today is the availability of the equipment and personnel," noted Dr. Omondi. The County Government of Siaya has hired medical officers, anaesthetists, and the nurses that assist in making sure that the theatre is fully functional. Hiring of competent staff demonstrates the county’s commitment of not only availing modern medical equipment but also competent workforce to manage the gadgets.
Apart from this operationalization of the maternity theatre, other prospects are on the pipeline for Madiany Sub-County Hospital. More nurses are to be hired soon and the X-ray unit of the hospital is expected to start in the next week. The hospital will also enhance its referral system since another new ambulance is expected to be in place by the end of October. This will ensure that if for any reason the mother needs to be transferred to another health care facility, she can be moved quickly and without compromising the quality of health care.
First Lady Mama Betty Orengo and Speaker George Okode oversaw the distribution of the mother-baby packs as a demonstration of the county’s commitment to the welfare of new mothers and their babies. The Medical Superintendent, Dr Josephine Nyasoro, who took the dignitaries through the facility, conveyed her appreciation to the county government, assuring the team of improved and responsive service delivery.
Present at the event were CECMs’ Dr. Martin Konyango (Health), CS Agunda Ochanda (Governance), Prof Jacqueline Oduol (Water), and Chief Officer Health, Dr Omondi Owino. Among the dignitaries were KMET CEO Monica Ogutu, several MCAs who expressed their readiness to support Madiany to overcome the healthcare challenges, namely the Chairperson of the Health Committee, Hon. Sylas Madingu Anyango (Central Gem Ward), Hon. Michael Omondi Adiala (South Uyoma Ward), Hon. Justus Oguta Obuya (West Uyoma Ward), and Hon. Booker Washington Bonyo (North Uyoma Ward).