Ground is set for Murang’a health department to venture into telemedicine technology with registration of 15,417 people eying for the advanced service.
In the past week, the county government officials have been collecting details of the persons suffering from chronic diseases and wish to benefit from the telemedicine technology that will be launched on September 1.
In the registration exercise, Kiria ini dispensary recorded the highest of 941, followed by Kigumo sub-county hospital with 812 patients.
The MCAs led by their Chief Whip Morris Thuku Ngunu had retreated to their wards educating the residents on the need to embrace the technology on the ground for best results and effective follow-ups.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the concept that will run for six months on a pilot basis will save the patients the agony of travelling long distances to meet their doctors.
Kang’ata said through the partnership with Safaricom the selected health facilities have been connected with internet and equipment to perfect the technology.
“ Am pleased that the registration has been 100 percent successful and the programme will be a relief to the elderly who also incur heavy cost in transportation,” said the governor.
Kang’ata said the idea of introducing telemedicine will ease the suffering the patients with chronic diseases have gone through for years, as it will be less expensive.
The multi-million shillings programme will run on a pilot basis for six months before it is evaluated ahead of the rollout in all 157 health facilities.
Thuku also the Kiru MCA said the assembly was in support of the telemedicine concept which will give the locals the best treatment.
“ In the concept, drones will be used in the transportation of specimens from the dispensaries to the laboratories and results rely immediately on the consulting health providers for treatment and prescriptions,” said Thuku.
According to details obtained, Mathioya sub-county led in the registration with 3,454, as Kiria ini dispensary had 941 persons recorded to need specialised medical services.
Registration at the sub-counties was at follows, Ithanga 420,Gatanga 1,145,Kigumo,2,212, Murang’a South 1,938, Kiharu 1,032, Kahuro 1,465, Kangema 1,024 and Mathioya 3,454.
