Garissa Referral Hospital operationalize endoscopy procedures

Garissa County Referral Hospital operationalised its modern endoscopic procedures on Thursday.  The Laparoscopic Tower and Endoscopy Unit were launched in June.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama at the time said the modern equipments are a game-changer for specialized healthcare in our region.

Mr. Mahat Salah, the hospital’s chief executive officer hailed it as a breakthrough for specialist care in northern Kenya.

Doctors at the hospital used a newly installed endoscopy tower to perform two Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) procedures, both of which were declared successful.

The patients, who were treated for upper gastrointestinal conditions are responding well to medicine.

Mr. Mahat Salah, the hospital’s chief executive officer, described the development as “a major leap forward” for the institution.

“For years, patients from Garissa and neighbouring counties had to travel to Nairobi and other major towns to access these services. That is expensive, time-consuming, and often discourages people from seeking timely medical care,” Salah said.

Garissa County Referral Hospital CEO Mahat Sheikh Salah during an interview hailed the procedure as a breakthrough for specialist care in northern Kenya. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

“With this facility now operational, we are bringing specialised diagnostics closer to our community and saving lives,” he said.

The state-of-the-art tower allows doctors to visualise the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, providing a clearer picture for diagnosing ulcers, inflammation and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Mr. Mahat Salah said the development is part of its broader plan to modernise facilities and expand specialist services in the region.

He said equitable healthcare will be achieved to ensure residents of Garissa County receive the same right to quality medical services as anyone else in Kenya.

Mr. Mahat said the public facility is already advancing Universal Health Coverage in the region through essential health services, from routine care to emergency treatment, for individuals and communities.

Saadia Barre, the nurse in charge of the operating theatre said the milestone was the result of months of preparation and training.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to get to this point,” she said.

“Seeing patients receive this care here in Garissa for the first time was emotional.

It means families no longer need to make costly journeys for procedures that are now available right at home.”

The largest referral facility in Northern Kenya and parts of the Eastern and Coast, Garissa County Referral Hospital is expected to be elevated to a Level 6A status.

This is expected to boost specialised medical services, research opportunities, training and infrastructure development.