Mbagathi Hospital unveils Ksh.11M oxygen plant to boost emergency care

Emergency services at Mbagathi Level 5 Hospital are set for a major boost after the facility commissioned a new medical oxygen plant valued at Ksh.11 million.

The newly installed plant will enable the county referral hospital to produce its own clean, reliable medical oxygen daily, reducing dependence on external suppliers. The oxygen is now piped directly to all wards, ensuring faster response times and uninterrupted supply to patients requiring critical care.

Hospital CEO Dr. Alexander Irungu confirmed the announcement, describing the project as a game-changer for emergency and specialised care services.

“This means patients will no longer have to wait or worry when they urgently need oxygen,” he said. “Doctors and nurses will now respond faster during emergencies, and more lives will be saved because oxygen will always be available.”

Beyond improving clinical outcomes, the oxygen plant is expected to significantly ease the hospital’s operational costs. The facility has been spending an estimated Ksh.4 million every quarter on oxygen purchases.

According to Dr. Irungu, the savings generated will be redirected to other essential health services within the hospital.

“For many families, this plant brings comfort and hope,” he added. “It will help children, mothers, and all patients who depend on oxygen to breathe and recover.”

The project was delivered in partnership with Amref Health Africa, which provided funding and technical support for the installation. The organisation’s team, led by Dr. Githinji Gitahi, celebrated the milestone alongside hospital leadership, reinforcing the value of cross-sector collaboration in improving public healthcare.

The commissioning event also highlighted the longstanding partnership between Mbagathi Level 5 Hospital and the Amref Health Africa team, a relationship aimed at strengthening emergency response systems and improving standards of care across Nairobi County.

Health officials at the ceremony noted that the new infrastructure aligns with broader efforts by the Nairobi County Health Department to enhance medical preparedness, self-sufficiency, and resilience of referral facilities across the county.