Residents of Ukuu area in Imenti South sub -county have something to smile after the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) funded a Ksh 5 million dispensary project in the area.
Speaking on Friday during the official launch of the project which was to be commissioned by the managing director Joe Sang, locals lauded the initiative saying it will benefit the community and boost health care services in the area .
KPC Managing Director, noted that access to quality healthcare services is a constitutional right yet millions of Kenyans cannot afford to pay for health services.
“Many Kenyans are not able to access healthcare services either because there are no facilities nearby or it is too expensive. In the case of Ukuu dispensary, KPC Foundation is taking deliberate steps to bring health care closer to the community,” he added.
He regretted that only 20 percent of Kenyans have access to medical insurance leaving the majority excluded from quality healthcare.
In his speech, the MD who sent a representative, said KPC foundation is keen on Kenyans health matters and will continue to fund and support projects geared towards improving the well being and welfare of Kenyans .
“KPC has fully funded the newly constructed Ukuu dispensary and also donated ksh 500,000 for a two day free medical camp. The facility is expected to enhance access to basic health care needs for the community and boost delivery of health care services in the region,” said Sang.
Sang noted the facility is equipped with modern medical diagnostic equipment, consultation rooms and specialized treatment areas.
According to Faith Mwiti, one of the residents, the facility is going to bring a lot of transformation in area noting locals used to travel long distances to access medical services.
“ We are really thankful to KPC for this support since we have been traveling to Nkubu and Meru town to access medical services right now it a relief to us ,” she noted.
She at the same time called on the county government of Meru to now come in and assist the facility with a maternity wing to help mitigate maternal deaths and related challenges.
“We ask our county government together with KPC to assist us in establishing a maternity wing to help our mothers get immediate and fast delivery services,” she added.
The medical officer in charge Joyce Wanjiku said the dispensary will touch lives of many for they are able to access health services nearer.
She echoed sentiments made by the residents to have a maternity saying many expectant mothers suffer compilation as they travel long distance to access medical help.
Area chief Dorothy Kinyua at the same time lamented that the facility has come the right time since the area is highly populated.
The administrator also appealed to the Meru county government to assist the facility with an oncologist as cases of cancer are becoming rampant in the area.
