Relief for patients as Mkongani health centre upgraded to Level 4 Hospital

Relief for patients as Mkongani health centre upgraded to Level 4 Hospital

The transformation, completed in February 2025, was officially commissioned by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani in collaboration with President William Ruto.

Patients in need of surgical care, including hydrocele sufferers and expectant mothers, can now access essential medical services closer to home following the upgrade of Mkongani Health Centre to a Level 4 facility.

The transformation, completed in February 2025, was officially commissioned by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani in collaboration with President William Ruto.

The elevation of Mkongani Health Centre marks a significant milestone in Kwale County’s broader efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.

Previously, residents of Mkongani and surrounding areas had to travel long distances to seek surgical services in facilities such as Kwale County Hospital, Kinango, Msambweni, or even Coast General Hospital in Mombasa.

Governor Achani revealed that Mkongani is among five health centres recently elevated to Level 4 status in the county. The others include hospitals in Kwale, Samburu, Kinango, and Lungalunga sub-counties.

“Upgrading our health facilities is not just about buildings—it’s about saving lives, empowering communities, and bringing essential services closer to the people,” said Governor Achani.

Since the upgrade, Mkongani Sub-County Hospital has served over 11,000 residents, with more than 27 successful surgical procedures conducted.

The facility now offers inpatient care, theatre services, specialized outpatient clinics including gynecology, and chronic disease management for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Dr. Beatrice Chaka, the hospital’s medical superintendent, highlighted the facility’s expanding capabilities. “The upgrade has had a profound impact on access to critical health services in this region. We’re currently constructing an X-ray unit, which will further broaden the range of diagnostic services available locally,” she noted.

For patients like Shaban Mohammed and Suleiman Konerwa, the hospital’s new status has been life-changing. Konerwa, who had long suffered from hydrocele, shared that community misconceptions—including beliefs in witchcraft—had isolated him.

“People didn’t understand my condition. They thought it was caused by witchcraft. That kind of stigma made life unbearable. I thank God the surgery was successful,” Konerwa said.

Expectant mothers in the region have also felt the benefits. Rose Koplo and Purity Muia recounted the hardships women faced when complications during delivery required long and risky transfers to distant hospitals.

“Before, if a woman couldn’t deliver normally, she had to be rushed to Msambweni. Sadly, some didn’t make it—and often, we lost either the mother or the child,” said Muia.

Governor Achani reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to healthcare reform, noting that since taking office, her government has built and equipped 178 health facilities and recruited over 1,800 healthcare professionals across Kwale County.

“These investments are about dignity, access, and saving lives. Every resident of Kwale deserves timely, quality medical care,” she said.

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