“This hospital serves approximately 8,700 residents from the surrounding area. We offer outpatient services, maternity services, immunisation, maternal and child health, and nutrition clinics. We also perform minor procedures.”
Describing life before the dispensary was connected to KUDURA’s solar-plus-battery mini grid, Jimmy said, “Illumination, especially during the night shift, was a challenge. We had to use handheld torches when delivering babies at night. Our fridge – where we keep our vaccinations cool – was affected by unreliable power.”
For Jimmy, access to power will not only benefit his patients, but will also benefit staff, “We did not feel secure walking in the dark, especially due to snakes and crawling insects that we could step on.” Without reliable power, staff also faced administrative challenges, “It has been quite hard to rely on manual, paper-based record keeping. We had to travel long distances to scan or even type information. We had a computer and printer that could not be used due to lack of power, and we had to travel a long distance (to Lodwar) to send information, print and upload data.”
Jimmy continued, “We were connected two weeks ago, and I have already configured a computer to improve record keeping. Night shift is easier because there’s light, it is improving living standards for us in the staff quarters, and we can provide better services, especially in the maternity room.”
In the future, Jimmy and his colleagues are keen to increase service provision, “We want to expand the facility to accommodate an operating theatre, ultrasound, and x-ray machines. With access to power, we can improve service provision for the community.”
