Governor Nathif Jama has called for the elevation of Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital to a level 6 facility, saying the move will improve healthcare access across Northern Kenya.
Speaking at the hospital on Monday, Jama said upgrading the facility will unlock more national funding, attract highly specialised medical personnel, expand training and research opportunities, and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search for advanced treatment.
He said the elevation would not only benefit Garissa residents but also strengthen healthcare services for neighbouring counties that depend on the facility for specialised care.
The governor thanked the national government for supporting the ongoing upgrade of Balambala Subcounty Hospital to a Level 5 facility, describing it as a major step towards bringing quality healthcare closer to the people.
Last week, civil society organisations in Garissa supported calls to upgrade the county referral hospital to a level 6 facility.
The lobbies led by Garissa County Human Rights Defenders Network coordinator Muktar Dahir said a level 6 hospital will strengthen emergency response and referral systems. It will also ensure timely treatment for critical cases, including maternal and child health emergencies, accidents, and other life-threatening conditions.
“As organisations committed to promoting the well-being, dignity, and development of our communities, we strongly support efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare services in Garissa county and the wider North Eastern region,” Muktar said
He added: “ We believe that upgrading Garissa County Referral Hospital to level 6 status is a strategic investment that will significantly improve access to quality healthcare and contribute to regional development”.
Patients leave Garissa County Referral Hospital /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Muktar said many households currently incur significant costs seeking specialised treatment outside the county noting that the availability of advanced healthcare services within Garissa will lower transportation, accommodation, and treatment-related expenses, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
A facility seeking Level 6 status would typically undergo detailed assessments of national standards covering service delivery, staffing, infrastructure, equipment, governance, and quality of care
The requirements are guided by the standards set by the Ministry of Health and related regulatory bodies.
Currently, there are six public level 6 hospitals across the country. They included Kenyatta National Hospital, Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and Othaya Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has a word with Garissa township MP Dekow Mohamed. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa County health executive Ahmed Nathir Omar speaking at the function. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Residents of Garissa at the function. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama at the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
