BY MUCERI MBAE
The Deputy President of Kenya, Kithure Kindiki, on Monday inspected the ongoing construction works at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and directed contractors to expedite the project while maintaining high quality standards to ensure completion within schedule.
The Sh1 billion project involves the construction of a new twin-tower hospital complex equipped with modern facilities, paving the way for the elevation of the current Level 5 facility to a Level 6 National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Once complete, the expanded hospital will offer specialized services including delicate surgical procedures, cancer treatment, as well as heart and kidney care.
The upgrade is expected to significantly reduce the need for patients from Meru and neighbouring counties to travel long distances in search of advanced medical services.
Residents of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Laikipia counties currently depend largely on Nairobi-based Level 6 facilities for specialized treatment of critical and chronic illnesses.
The new status will shorten travel distances, cut treatment costs, and ease pressure on referral hospitals in the capital.
Speaking during the inspection, Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country.
He also announced that the government has cleared all pending bills owed to contractors, unlocking stalled infrastructure projects in the region. Road projects that had previously halted due to non-payment are now set to resume.
The Deputy President maintained that nothing will stand in the way of Meru’s development trajectory, reiterating that the county’s ambition to attain city status remains firmly on course.
The inspection was attended by Mutuma M’Ethingia, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia, Members of Parliament Rahim Dawood, Dan Kiili, Mpuru Aburi, Dorothy Muthoni, Members of County Assembly and other leaders.
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