•Patients Relieved as County Launches State-of-the-Art CT Scanner
Kilifi County has taken a significant step in improving healthcare services by equipping its Level Four health facilities with modern radiology equipment, a move that promises to enhance diagnostic capabilities and ease the financial burden on patients.
The initiative is expected to eliminate the need for residents to travel long distances for radiology services, marking a major milestone in the county’s healthcare development.
The county’s flagship project in this initiative is the installation of a 64-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro, while launching the equipment, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernizing healthcare facilities to ensure residents have access to affordable, high-quality diagnostic services.
A Game-Changer for Healthcare in Kilifi
Previously, many patients in Kilifi were forced to seek CT scan services in Mombasa, often incurring high transport costs and enduring long waiting times.
This challenge is now being addressed with the deployment of modern CT scan machines across key healthcare facilities, including Kilifi, Malindi, Mariakani, and Marafa Level Four hospitals, as well as the Mtwapa Health Centre.
“The procurement and installation of this advanced equipment will greatly enhance healthcare quality by offering timely and more accurate diagnoses,” said Governor Mung’aro.
He further explained that the new 64-slice CT scanner provides real-time, high-definition diagnostic images, a significant improvement over the 16-slice CT scanners commonly found in private hospitals, which often produce unclear images that require multiple scans for an accurate diagnosis.
Affordable Services for All
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Peter Mwarogo, emphasized that the new radiology unit is well-equipped to handle over 30 patients per day, significantly reducing the backlog and long waiting times.
He noted that within the past week alone, the facility had already served over 200 patients.
Mwarogo also highlighted the affordability of the new services, stating:
“In private hospitals, CT scans cost between Sh9,900 and Sh11,000, and they use 16-slice machines, which do not always provide clear images. Here in Kilifi, our services will cost only Sh5,700, and patients registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) will receive free CT scans.”
Praise from Leaders and Residents
The project has received widespread praise from leaders and residents alike. National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, who also serves as the Kilifi North MP, commended the county administration for prioritizing healthcare, saying that real-time disease detection through modern radiology will improve early diagnosis and treatment.
Residents have also expressed their relief and gratitude for the new equipment. Mohammed Said, a local patient, shared his experience:
“We used to travel long distances to Mombasa for CT scans, spending a lot on transport and accommodation, only to wait until the next day for the scan after paying Sh11,000. Now, we can get these services right here in Kilifi, which is a huge relief.”
Expanding Healthcare Services Beyond Radiology
Governor Mung’aro also revealed plans for further expansion, including the procurement of MRI machines and the introduction of chemotherapy services for cancer patients in Kilifi.
“Starting this May, we will begin offering chemotherapy services at our hospitals. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Kilifi residents receive the medical care they need without unnecessary travel,” the governor announced.
The launch of modern radiology equipment in Kilifi represents a transformative moment for healthcare in the county.
With advanced technology, more affordable services, and improved accessibility, patients will now receive timely and accurate diagnoses, reducing the need for expensive and inconvenient medical trips outside the county.
As Kilifi continues investing in state-of-the-art medical technology, this initiative not only enhances the quality of healthcare but also brings hope and relief to thousands of residents who previously struggled to access specialized medical services.
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