Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital has assured Nairobi residents that essential health services remain fully operational despite the ongoing doctors’ strike, following a media tour of the facility aimed at addressing public concerns over staffing and service capacity.
Hospital management confirmed that the level 5 referral facility continues to handle over 1,500 patients daily, supported by contingency staffing arrangements, strengthened clinical oversight, and operational systems designed to ensure continuity of care.
Speaking during the tour, Hospital CEO Frederick Obwanda said the hospital had activated measures to ensure patients continue receiving timely and safe care.
“Our focus is to ensure that patients are not affected. We have systems that allow us to deploy additional qualified medical professionals when necessary so that services continue uninterrupted as the issues are being resolved,” he said.
To support efficient service delivery, the hospital has also enhanced patient administration processes, including on-site registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
This enables patients to receive care without delays related to payment verification, allowing the hospital to focus on treatment while reimbursement is processed separately.
“In the past, we have had situations where patients delayed care due to billing challenges. Integrating SHA registration into our care process helps remove that barrier and ensures continuity of treatment,” Obwanda noted.
The hospital is also expanding its physical capacity to meet growing demand in the densely populated Eastlands area. A new 400-bed wing currently under construction is expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve patient flow once completed.
“With the additional capacity coming up, we will be better positioned to handle referrals and emergencies more efficiently,” he said, adding that the project is expected to be completed within the year.
Hospital management further emphasized that only fully qualified and professionally registered medical personnel are engaged to provide services, following strict academic and regulatory verification procedures to safeguard patient safety.
The media tour forms part of the hospital’s broader effort to maintain public confidence and transparency while ensuring that critical healthcare services continue without disruption.
