By Bernard Munyao
Murang’a County has continued to invest in modern healthcare solutions aimed at improving access to medical services for residents through innovative approaches.
One of the key interventions rolled out by the county is telemedicine, a system that allows patients to consult doctors remotely through computer-based platforms, enabling direct interaction between patients and specialists regardless of their location.
Muriranjas Level 4 Hospital, located in Kahuro Sub County, has been identified as one of the main centres spearheading the implementation of the telemedicine programme in Murang’a County.
According to the coordinator of the telemedicine programme at Muriranjas hospital, Doctor Wendy Githu, the initiative enables real-time consultations between patients and specialists based in other county referral hospitals through digital platforms, with patients being supported by clinicians stationed at the facility.
“Through telemedicine we are able to connect our patients with specialists in different hospitals using computers while our local doctors assist with examinations and follow-ups,” said Dr Githu.
Dr Githu noted that services offered under the telemedicine programme include the management of lifestyle-related diseases, cancer consultations, blood tests and interpretation, as well as diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint conditions.
She further explained that once a patient reports to the facility, they are registered and give consent for their medical history to be accessed.
The patient is then examined, diagnosed, prescribed medication and only required to physically visit the clinic when a physical review or procedure is necessary.
One of the beneficiaries, Jane Njeri, observed that the programme has significantly eased the burden of accessing specialised care.
“Telemedicine has saved me the cost and time of travelling to referral hospitals. I am now able to speak to specialists while receiving care here at Muriranjas,” said Njeri, adding that the service has made treatment more convenient and timely.
The telemedicine programme has been operational for one year and has since been rolled out in major hospitals across Murang’a County, with the county government planning to expand the service further to lower-level health facilities to benefit more residents.