By Samson Wire
The Nyalore administration's strategic plans to modernize healthcare facilities are nearing completion, highlighted by the recent construction of an ultra-modern surgical complex at Siaya County Referral Hospital. Equipment installation is currently underway, with operations set to commence later this year. This state-of-the-art facility, designed for general and minor surgical operations, features four fully equipped surgical theatres, a 10-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) unit, a pharmacy, and other essential healthcare units.
The completion of this major project will significantly boost healthcare delivery in Siaya County. The new ultra-modern surgical wing will address the growing number of patients from neighboring counties such as Busia and Vihiga, while also serving the needs of Siaya's six sub-counties more effectively.
Currently, facilities at Siaya County Referral Hospital are overstretched due to the increasing patient load, forcing many residents to travel long distances for specialized services, including maternity theatre and other critical care. This development aligns with the Nyalore healthcare manifesto, which aims to provide adequate facilities staffed by a sufficient number of nurses and clinical officers to meet the county's growing health service demands.
Several facility upgrades have already been completed while some are in advanced stages under the administration, including:
- An additional maternity theatre wing at Nyangu Health Centre in Ugenya;
- Improvements at Sigomere Hospital in Ugunja
- Boro Health Centre, now in its final phase
- The Ukwala Sub-County maternity wing, which commenced operations late last year and includes an eye care center.
Furthermore, the Nyalore administration, under the leadership of Governor James Orengo, is collaborating with healthcare partners such as AMREF, the Red Cross, and the Mpesa Foundation, among others, to equip facilities across the county. In the previous financial year, Bondo Sub-County Hospital benefited from medical supplies worth KSh 500 million under the Nyalore regime, with similar support extended to several other health centers across the six sub-counties.