Busia County Referral Hospital (BCRH) received a boost in its Coronavirus (Covid-19) fight with a donation of four ventilators and assorted items from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The items were handed over to Busia Deputy Governor, HE Moses Mulomi on behalf of Governor, H.E Sospeter Ojaamong by USAID representative Cecilia Amahaya outside the County Government headquarters on Thursday.

In her speech during handover, Ms Amahaya said the four ventilators are among 200 ventilators donated by the United States to the Government of Kenya to be distributed to counties which lack the equipment in their bid to contain the spread of the pandemic.

She said that the equipment are accompanied by accessories required for their operations with one year warranty, adding that USAID is fully committed to help the counties in the fight against the pandemic.

H.E Mulomi thanked USAID for its continued support in various activities including HIV/Aids programs which have made a difference in the county.

“The donation of ventilators is timely at this critical moment when the second wave of Covid-19 continues to ravage the country with impunity, noting that they will be installed immediately to help in life saving actions,” he said.

The DG said the recent commissioning of an oxygen plant at the BCRH will play a critical role in the operationalization of the ventilators, urging the staff concerned to utilize the equipment effectively and efficiently.

County Secretary, Nicodemus Mulaku said USAID donation of ventilators is a big saving on the County Government of Busia budget and welcomed partnership of various donors.

Chief Officer Medical Services Dr Isaac Omeri, said the supply of consumables by USAID has come in handy and timely, noting that challenges of reagents and ambulances were hampering their efforts in Covid-19 containment.

“The ventilators, produced in the United States, have leading-edge technology. They are compact, deployable, and provide Kenya with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus, as well as those who require breathing support for other conditions,” she said.

She added: “USAID is delivering the ventilators directly to the facilities selected by the Kenyan Government and ensuring that the serial numbers are recorded in the inventory books of the counties receiving them:”

Deputy Governor, Moses Mulomi signed an implementation letter prohibiting the sale or export of the ventilators. In addition, the United States is providing accompanying equipment, service plans, training, and other technical assistance.

As part of the Journey to self-reliance, USAID will be training health care workers not only on how to use the ventilators, but also on critical care patient management.

Photo: Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi signing an implementation letter witnessed by USAID representative Cecilia Amahaya.

- One of the four ventilators donated by USAID to Busia County Referral Hospital on Thursday.

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