The government is exploring ways to expand specialised rehabilitation services at the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital (NSIRH) to accommodate more patients recovering from stroke, major surgery and other disabling conditions.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said the government is considering ways to strengthen the hospital’s capacity as he toured the facility in Kilimani, Nairobi, on Tuesday.
Oluga visited the hospital to review service delivery, assess ongoing projects, engage healthcare workers and identify priority areas requiring Government support.
During the tour, the PS inspected clinical and rehabilitation units, physiotherapy services, diagnostic and treatment areas and equipment installed under the National Equipment Service Programme.
He also reviewed how the equipment is being utilised to improve specialised patient care at the facility.
Oluga commended healthcare workers for their dedication, noting the important role played by NSIRH in treating and rehabilitating patients with spinal cord injuries.
The hospital serves patients from Kenya as well as the wider East and Central African region.
He called for increased investment in specialised skills, modern technology and infrastructure to strengthen rehabilitation services and improve patient outcomes.
Oluga also encouraged the hospital’s management to develop practical proposals outlining its priority needs to enable the government to identify areas requiring additional support.
The PS said strengthening specialised rehabilitation requires a combination of skilled healthcare workers, appropriate technology and adequate infrastructure.
While engaging staff at the facility, Oluga emphasised the importance of maintaining a responsive workforce as the government implements its health reforms.
He also highlighted specialised training, sustainable health financing and patient-centred care as key elements in improving healthcare delivery.
The proposed expansion would allow the hospital to support patients recovering from a wider range of disabling conditions beyond spinal cord injuries.
Patients recovering from stroke, major surgery and other conditions that require specialised rehabilitation could benefit from enhanced services at the facility.
The government’s review of NSIRH services comes as health facilities continue to adapt their capacity to meet the needs of patients requiring long-term rehabilitation and specialised care.
Oluga said the hospital’s management should clearly outline its priority requirements so that interventions can be properly planned and supported.
He was received at the facility by NSIRH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Sorem Otieno.
Also present were Head of the Division of Spinal Health and Specialised Services Dr Dennis O. Otwori, Head of the Division of Integrated Health Services Dr Andrew Muriithi and senior hospital staff.
The visit provided an opportunity for the PS to assess the hospital’s current services and engage healthcare workers on challenges and opportunities for improving specialised rehabilitation.
The government is now expected to consider the hospital’s priority proposals as it explores ways to strengthen specialised rehabilitation services and infrastructure at NSIRH.
