Murang’a County Level 5 Hospital has recorded an unprecedented surge in patient numbers following recent infrastructural upgrades across county health facilities.

The county government said the hospital is now handling between 1,500 and 2,000 outpatients daily, while 500 patients are admitted, matching the hospital’s maximum bed capacity.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Murang’a County Government attributed the sharp increase to both local and cross-county referrals, with patients reportedly flocking to the facility from neighbouring regions due to improved service delivery and infrastructure.

“This is compounded by the influx of patients from elsewhere,” the statement noted, adding that the county remains committed to offering quality services to every client despite the rising pressure.

County Moves to Address the Surge

To manage the growing demand for medical services, the county administration has rolled out a series of urgent measures aimed at ensuring efficiency and maintaining clinical standards.

Among the key interventions include reorganization of emergency staff at the casualty department and recalling staff currently on leave to reinforce overstretched teams.

The county has also deployed marshals to help guide clients through different service points to ease congestion and improve coordination.

Additionally, Murang’a Level 5 has begun opening new wards and strengthening linkages with other Level 4 hospitals within the county to redistribute patient load.

According to the county government, these hospitals will absorb some of the cases to “ease pressure on the referral hospital.”

The county further disclosed that laboratory and radiology services are now operational 24 hours a day.

It also plans to recruit additional staff despite what it described as “a constrained wage bill.”

Appeal for Policy Support and Patient Cooperation

Murang’a County has urged the County Assembly to fast-track the Locum Policy to allow the temporary hiring of medical personnel to handle such emergencies.

“This will help assuage staffing shortages during high-demand periods,” the statement read.

Residents have been encouraged to seek medical services from neighbouring facilities such as Muriranjas Hospital, Mugoiri Hospital, and Kiangage Dispensary in Kiharu Constituency, which have been equipped with additional doctors and new infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the county has appealed for public patience and cooperation with health staff and hospital managers to ensure “good outcomes for all.”

For inquiries, the county has provided contact numbers — 0757562988, 0716017296, and 0702652751 — for patients seeking assistance or facing challenges at the facility.

With the increased patient flow, Murang’a County maintains that it remains committed to fulfilling its manifesto promise of providing accessible and quality healthcare for all residents.

Press Release by Murang’a County Government addressing the health status at Murang’a County Level 5 Hospital. PHOTO/ Murang’a County X.