Canon Karanja Tours Jumuia Kaimosi, Assures Support to Staff
November 7, 2018
Jumuia Kaimosi’s Dr. Waithaka (in tie) explains a point to NCCK General Secretary Rev. Canon P. Karanja & his deputy Dr. Makanda during a tour of one of the theatres at Kaimosi. With them is the hospital’s Administrator Mr. Tarbei among others
The National Council of Churches of Kenya is committed to the provision of accessible, affordable and quality healthcare, aimed at supplementing the government’s efforts towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in the country.
NCCK’s General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja says through her subsidiary, Jumuia Hospitals Ltd, the NCCK was determined to contribute towards the improvement of healthcare system. While revisiting the reasons why the Council invested in health, Canon Karanja regretted that it was quite expensive to fall sick in Kenya owing to the high cost of treatment across many private facilities that may offer quality healthcare especially for terminal illnesses. He spoke during a working tour of Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi, which is NCCK’s premier facility under Jumuia Hospitals Ltd.
Addressing staff at the facility Canon Karanja who was accompanied by a host of senior management among them his deputy Dr. Nelson Makanda, pointed out that patients remember for life how they are treated when sick hence the need to be mindful. “It is such an emotional matter how we are treated when we are sick. A happy patient brings others along. Let us work diligently and clear the queues as quickly as possible. Let us get diagnostics the first time if you work in the laboratory,” he cautioned, while assuring them of his support in the delivery of their mandate.
Dr. Victor Waithaka updates Canon Karanja on the usage of another theatre equipment at the facility
Canon Karanja challenged the staff to create a reputation for themselves by being excellent in their area of expertise. “From where I sit, I am very proud of you. In this team, we have absolutely everything you require to make this facility the best. We want this to be a center of excellence and therefore we want to agonize with you and ensure that is done. I assure you of my support and that of management,” he promised.
While echoing Canon Karanja’s sentiments, NCCK’s Deputy General Secretary Dr. Makanda recalled how the team attended to both his mother and grandmother when they were hospitalized at the facility, noting that one may never know when blessings come their way. “We are delighted in the work that you do. You have attended to the needy maybe even without knowing. Do not feel discouraged when giving service. Some of those you serve, you never know. Just do your work as unto the Lord and God will bless you,” said Dr. Makanda.
Dr. Nelson Gitonga, a renowned medical consultant, reminded staff on why they should stick to their ethics, adding that they should always strive to be relevant. He said: “I want to thank you for a very clean hospital. I didn’t get the traditional hospital smell. I am very impressed. I believe you are working as a team because you are the heart of the hospital. Let us ask ourselves how can we be relevant. I know a hospital is tough but don’t refer to patients as cases, please call them by name.”
On his part Jumuia Hospitals Administrator Mr. Abraham Tarbei said: “This team is committed to the task ahead. We shall keep in mind all the advice given and work towards making that happen. We also appreciate your coming.”
The NCCK through its special purpose vehicle, the Jumuia Hospitals Limited, is implementing a 20-year business plan to establish a chain of hospitals built on the principles of accessibility, high quality and affordability doting multiple locations in Kenya.
Canon Karanja poses for a group photo with Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi’s management team following his tour of the facility
This investment is at all levels of healthcare, namely: primary, secondary and tertiary levels. The apex of Jumuia hospitals will be the 500-bed super-specialty teaching and referral hospital in the environs Limuru. This shall be the ultimate referral centre for all Jumuia and other hospitals in the region. This will ensure that the hospitals are able to deliver healthcare solutions at every level.
Currently the Council is gearing up for the official opening of the newly built 170-bed Jumuia Hospital Huruma which shall mainly offer mother and child services. This follows the successful operationalization of the over 100-bed Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi, last year with modern utilities, two operating theatres and a nine bed ICU, ranked at the moment as the only high capacity operational ICU in the western region of Kenya. In addition, the hospital is equipped with a 16 slice CT scan