Medical staff at the ziwa Subcounty hospital maternity wing

Uasin Gishu has recorded a major milestone in the expansion of maternal healthcare services after Ziwa Subcounty Hospital successfully conducted its first delivery through Caesarean section.

Governor Jonathan Bii said the county government is focused on ensuring maternity services and most surgical procedures are available across the county’s health facilities.

“Our intention is to ensure that our mothers do not travel long distances for deliveries. They should access the services they need at the nearest health facility,” Bii said.

The hospital, currently undergoing an Sh800 million expansion, achieved the milestone through a successful Caesarean section conducted by a skilled team of medics.

The development marks a significant step in the county’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services at the sub-county level and reduce pressure on referral hospitals.

Health officials described the achievement as a transformative moment for maternal and child healthcare in the region.

They noted that expectant mothers in Ziwa and neighbouring areas will no longer be forced to travel to Eldoret or other referral hospitals to access emergency obstetric care.

The medical team attributed the progress to sustained county investment in health infrastructure, modern medical equipment and staffing.

Health executive Janet Kurgat said the investments have enabled Ziwa Subcounty Hospital to steadily expand its specialised medical services.

Residents and local leaders welcomed the development, saying it will help eliminate dangerous delays in accessing emergency maternal care and contribute to reducing maternal and infant deaths.

The successful operation follows a recent assessment of the hospital by Kurgat and chief officer for clinical services Ambrose Tarus.

Kurgat said the assessment focused on the hospital’s theatre preparedness and surgical capacity, adding that the team was satisfied with the facility’s readiness.

The achievement now places Ziwa Subcounty Hospital among county facilities offering surgical services.

“Our county is fully committed to bringing quality and affordable healthcare services closer to wananchi. We urge residents to utilise services available at our health facilities instead of spending resources seeking services elsewhere,” Kurgat said.

Governor Bii said the county now has more than 20 health facilities operating on a 24-hour basis, with adequate staff and drugs.