Ukwala Sub-County Hospital’s Maternity Wing to Transform Maternal and Neonatal Care

From siaya.go.ke, Samwel Makene

To enhance maternal healthcare, Governor James Orengo visited the newly established maternity wing at the Ukwala Sub-County Hospital to assess its readiness and address any challenges that may hinder its operations.

The foundation of the Ukwala Sub County Maternity Wing was laid in 2019 and completed in 2024, is fully equipped, and designed to provide comprehensive care for expectant mothers before, during, and after childbirth. It combines advanced medical technology with a comfortable, supportive environment to ensure mothers’ and newborns’ health and well-being.

The key medical supplies and equipment features of the maternity ward include labor and delivery rooms, emergency equipment, including a modern ambulance, postpartum rooms, incubators, a modern theatre, and trained healthcare professionals: a team of obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and support staff trained in maternal and neonatal care.

The new maternity ward is projected to accommodate the local population of expectant mothers. Currently, the health center handles 40 deliveries per month, significantly increasing the number of healthy childbirths and ensuring that more mothers receive the care they require during childbirth.

The fully equipped maternity ward is a vital component of healthcare that prioritizes the safety, comfort, and emotional well-being of mothers and their newborns.

Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and local leaders warmly received the Governor and expressed their appreciation for the focus on maternal health within the Subcounty. As the Governor walked through the maternity wing, they observed the various departments. They engaged with healthcare professionals, asking about their experiences and the resources needed to provide optimal care for mothers and newborns.

The staff shared their dedication to ensuring safe deliveries and quality care. At the same time, Gov. Orengo spoke with new mothers and their families, gathering insights into their experiences at the facility. This interaction underscored the importance of understanding community needs and incorporating feedback into healthcare strategies.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to improving general healthcare services in the Subcounty and the County at large. Inspection of the new maternity wing marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access and quality in Siaya, signaling hope for a healthier future.

These are some of the concerted efforts, along with support for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) by equipping them with necessary kits and providing them with a monthly stipend of Ksh. 3000, in addition to the National Government’s support.

Concluding the visit, the Governor led a site visit for places or areas that could be used for future expansion, including the establishment of the Subcounty Head Offices. He engaged with staff fruitfully and implored them to work in unity to help spur the area’s economy and deliver on the Nyalore Administration 9-Point Agenda, among other important programs and policies.

The Governor was accompanied by CECMs, Dr. Martin K’Onyango (Health and Sanitation), Mr. CS Agunda Ochanda (Governance, Administration, and ICT), and Mr. Maurice Otieno MC’Orege (Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development). Chief Officers who attended the meeting include Hon. Walter Okelo (Governance, Administration, and ICT), Mr. Jack Odinga (Finance and Economic Planning), Dr. Samuel Omondi (Health), Dr. Nicholas Kut ( Energy and Public Transport), and Eng. Kevin Okoth Ajuul (Roads and Public Works), alongside  Hon. Andericus Oduor Odongo (Deputy Speaker and West Ugenya MCA), the Host MCA Hon. Joseph Peter Omondi Oduor, as well as County and Sub County officials.