Embu achieves milestone with first brain surgery

The Embu Level 5 Hospital has conducted it first ever brain surgery to remove a tumor with plans underway to carry out a kidney transplant in March.

According to the lead surgeon Dr. Henry Mugendi, the 2-hour surgery was performed on a 52-year-old man by a team of specialists from the county.

“Everything went well, we had four doctors and six assistants in for the surgery and we are happy with the process and expect the patient to make a full recovery,” said Dr. Mugendi.

The lucky man, who had been hit on the head with a jembe, is said to have been admitted just as the doctors were preparing to start the process.

Embu Governor Martin Wambora hailed the successful surgery saying that the county will spend more on health to ensure more milestones are achieved.

“The county will spend a third of this year’s budget, about Ksh.2 billion on improving health care and hiring 326 specialists to man the facility,” he said.

Wambora also led medics in touring the hospital to inspect its preparedness in carrying out Renal and Craniotomy surgery.

He also met with the 16-year-old student who is set to be the first to undergo the first kidney transplant.

Wambora revealed the student has been identified for the process adding that there are qualified surgeons to carry out such delicate medical processes. There are 10,000 applications for kidney transplant surgery.

“The facility will now reduce referral cases of patients to hospitals abroad and this is in line with the government’s aim to achieve universal health care,” said Wambora.

Embu Referral Teaching Hospital CEO Dr. Moses Njue said the institution will strive to do more to help patients many of whom are needy and can’t afford the high fees.

“Patients who are covered by NHIF will be charged Ksh.100,000 for a brain surgery and exercise that can cost close to Ksh.2 million when you visit another hospital or travel to India,” said Dr. Njue adding that the facility is the only one with that capability between Thika and Moyale.