Murang’a County introduces mobile dialysis unit to reach remote patients

Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo-KNA

Murang’a County Government, in collaboration with a healthcare provider Benacare, has launched a mobile dialysis unit to improve healthcare access for residents in remote areas.

The unit, unveiled at Kirwara Hospital in Gatanga Sub-County, will be deployed across various healthcare centres in the county, ensuring kidney patients receive timely treatment without the need to travel long distances.

Speaking during the launch of the mobile unit, Governor Irung’u Kang’ata emphasised the unit’s role in easing congestion at existing dialysis centres while also addressing the rising demand for kidney treatment.

He noted that the county used to have few functional dialysis machines, which were not enough to serve an increasing number of patients with kidney related complications.

“We had four functional dialysis machines in the county which were not enough to serve all patients in need, with some even missing out on treatment. The mobile unit will assist in decongesting existing facilities and provide timely medical care,” said Kang’ata.

Murang’a has dialysis centres at the county level 5 hospital and Kigumo Level 4 facility with many patients being put on a waiting list to access dialysis.

Kang'ata noted that the launch of the unit is part of a broader initiative to improve healthcare services in the county.

He assured the public that the mobile dialysis service would operate according to a fixed schedule, ensuring equal access throughout the region.

The governor explained that the mobile dialysis unit is outfitted with advanced dialysis machines, adding the mobile unit allows individuals to receive treatment at nearby health centres, sparing them from expensive and exhausting journeys to existing dialysis centres.

“The dialysis truck will be operating in different constituencies within Murang’a where every patient will have access to the services,” Kang’ata said.

With the county's limited dialysis centres, many were compelled to seek treatment outside the county, resulting in added financial burdens.

The mobile unit will minimise waiting times and reduce costs for patients, especially benefiting elderly individuals and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who often face difficulties accessing specialised treatment.

Project partners said the mobile unit will be a game changer in the region, acknowledging that a shortage of dialysis machines is a major challenge for kidney patients in the country. 

They stressed that the mobile unit would not only benefit patients directly but would also ease the burden on overstretched dialysis centres in the county.

Residents welcomed the development and expressed optimism that the mobile unit will significantly reduce travel costs and other challenges associated with accessing dialysis services.

Many locals view it as an important advancement in strengthening healthcare services and enhancing the quality of life for kidney patients in Murang'a.

Gatanga MCA John Kibaiya who attended the occasion lauded the county administration for investing heavily in the health sector.

Kibaiya said the mobile dialysis unit will offer affordable services to kidney patients who have been struggling to access the service in health facilities outside the county.