Mombasa to construct Sh350 million hospital for Covid-19 patients

As part of its continued response to Covid-19 pandemic, Mombasa county government plans to set up a 200-bed hospital that will exclusively cater for coronavirus patients.  

The Utange-based Covid Hospital, will be put up and equipped at a cost of Sh350 million. 

The county has also converted three sub-county hospitals into Covid-19 treatment centres. 

Speaking during a meeting with the Senate County Public Accounts and Investments Committee at the weekend, Governor Hassan Joho said the plan will help the county deal adequately with the deadly pandemic .

“Covid is an expensive and punitive disease. If we leave residents to the mercy of private hospitals, it will not only be immoral but also failure on our part.

Private hospitals are demanding  huge amounts  of money to treat Covid-19 patients and not everyone can afford say Sh300,000 deposit to get admission,” he said.

Joho told senators it is only through focused and committed investment in the sector that the county can adequately deal with the pandemic and attain universal health. 

“Covid-19 will be around for a while. A responsible government ensures that its citizens health needs are adequately planned for and attended to,” said Joho. 

This, he noted, is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) on good health and well-being.  

The governor noted that post-Covid, the hospital will be converted into a special cancer treatment centre to relieve the Coast General Hospital, which is currently overwhelmed. 

Committee chair and Migori Senator Ochilo Ayacko said Mombasa was one of the most effective counties in handling and containing Covid-19 spread.

The team also applauded the governor for expanding the Coast General Hospital so that it can serve populations from neighbouring counties.