GARISSA – Garissa Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital, the primary healthcare provider for Garissa County and neighboring regions, remains a crucial lifeline for thousands.
The Chief Executive Officer of the facility Mr. Mahat Salah said the hospital has made significant improvements, yet continues to grapple with persistent challenges that threaten service delivery.
CEO Mahat Salah embarked on a mission to revitalize the hospital, which had been struggling with inadequate medical supplies, insufficient staffing, and deteriorating infrastructure.
His proactive approach has been instrumental in addressing these deficiencies and enhancing patient care.
Mr. Mahat Salah brought a clear vision and a results-driven mindset, serving as the foundation upon which the hospital’s gradual transformation has been built.
Recognizing the urgent need for reform, he delved deep into the issues that had plagued the facility for years, devising comprehensive strategies to improve operations, upgrade medical facilities, and ensure a steady supply of essential drugs and equipment.
Despite being relatively new to the role, Mahat Salah has provided decisive leadership, steering the hospital away from the brink of collapse.
His efforts have stabilized the institution and also set it on a trajectory toward sustainability and improved healthcare delivery.
One of his key initiatives has been streamlining hospital procurement processes to prevent frequent shortages of medical supplies.
Under his guidance, departments that once suffered from chronic stockouts now have access to essential medications and equipment, significantly reducing delays in patient care.
Additionally, he has prioritized staff welfare, advocating for better working conditions and urging county officials to address salary delays and resource gaps.
“We understand the challenges we face, but we are committed to ensuring this hospital functions efficiently,” said CEO Mahat Salah.
“Patients should not have to travel hundreds of kilometers for services that should be readily available here. Our goal is to make Garissa Level 5 a hospital that people can trust and depend on.”
Despite these efforts, the hospital continues to struggle with financial constraints. In March 2024, the Garissa County Assembly Health Committee conducted a fact-finding mission, revealing that out of the Sh144 million allocated to the facility, only Sh33.5 million had been disbursed.
This shortfall has severely impacted critical departments, notably rendering the radiology unit non-operational for six months due to conflicts between county and national governments over funding responsibilities.
The lack of funds has also delayed much-needed renovations and the acquisition of advanced medical equipment.
Committee Chairman Adhan Odowa expressed concerns over the hospital’s financial dependence and the challenging working conditions for staff, highlighting the absence of insurance policies and inadequate workplace infrastructure.
He emphasized the need for financial autonomy to enhance service delivery and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Amid these financial struggles, the hospital achieved a significant milestone with the installation of an oxygen-generating plant.
Launched by Garissa Governor Nathif Aden, the facility is expected to save the county approximately Sh600,000 monthly, funds that were previously spent on procuring oxygen from Nairobi.
Valued at Sh26.8 million, the oxygen plant can fill 10 cylinders in 24 hours, ensuring a steady supply for critically ill patients, especially preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
This development marks a turning point for the hospital, as oxygen shortages had previously put vulnerable patients at high risk.
CEO Mahat Salah hailed the project as a game-changer, emphasizing its long-term benefits.
“For years, we have struggled with inconsistent oxygen supply, which has been a matter of life and death for many patients. This plant will not only save lives but also reduce our operational costs significantly,” he added.
While acknowledging improvements in service delivery, Baraki Ward MCA Hassan Geley pointed out lingering challenges, including non-functional beds in the renal unit due to expired medical equipment leases.
He urged the county administration to expedite the procurement of new equipment for the ICU and renal units, stressing the need for efficient hospital management to prevent further service disruptions.
The CEO of the institution Mahat Salah, who remains adamant of improved services, said without sustainable funding, the hospital’s progress could stall.
“We need consistent financial backing to maintain and expand our services. Healthcare is not a luxury—it is a necessity,” he said.
Garissa Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital provides specialized medical services, including maternal care, emergency treatment, and chronic disease management.
Sustained investment, granting financial autonomy, and improving working conditions remain critical to ensuring that the hospital can provide high-quality healthcare for the communities that depend on it.
