The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
The telemedicine programme initiated in Murang’a has benefitted thousands of families through patients’ access to specialists.
Within a year the Telemedicine Programme has connected 36 health centres where 70,556 patients suffering with the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have been attended.
The initiative spearheaded by Governor Irungu Kang’ata opened doors to patients on January 1, this year with appreciation by hundreds of families owing to comprehensive treatment at a less cost in travelling.
The best performing centres in the administration of the telemedicine programme are Kiria ini registered 4,425 patients, Makuyu 4,180 patients, Saba Saba 4,030 patients, Kagundu ini 3,526 patients among others, where the patients treated blood pressure, Asthma, mental health, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness among others.
“Before the programme was established the family used to organise transport for my asthmatic mother on a weekly basis for an appointment with her specialist at Kenyatta National Hospital,” said Hiram Murage a resident of Kamacharia.
Macharia says after the rolling out of the programme the family relaxed as the patient was registered to meet her doctor at Kamacharia dispensary for the continued treatment.
Murage says the family has managed to take care of their mother with much ease owing to the short distance.
The in charge of the programme Dr Wendy Githu, said there are seven doctors, 17 clinical officers and a pharmacist enlisted to provide consultation to patients in facilities that would require clinicians attached.
Githu says the patients receive care closer to their homes, reducing travel costs and delays, while facilities remain functional despite human resource constraints.
“Instead of hiring and stationing at least a clinician in each of the 36 facilities, the county operates with a centralized team of 17 clinicians and one pharmacist serving all facilities remotely to the satisfaction of the patients,” she said.
Health Chief Officer Eliud Maina, said the centralized staffing model in the programme allows a smaller, well-coordinated workforce to deliver services at scale, achieving cost efficiency while maintaining service coverage.
The initiative, he said , has assisted to decongest major health facilities as those in dire need are connected with specialists.
“The resources saved can be redirected toward strengthening infrastructure, procuring essential medicines, expanding digital health systems and improving quality of care,” said Maina.
