Women MPs demand closure of Magena Dispensary over maternal deaths

𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲, 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

Women Members of Parliament have called for the immediate closure of Magena Dispensary in Kisii County following the tragic death of an expectant mother and her unborn twins, allegedly due to negligence of the hospital staff.

Led by Kisii County MP. Hon. Dorice Donya, the lawmakers visited the facility and expressed concern over the poor state of healthcare services at the dispensary. 

According to the deceased's mother, her daughter, Phanice Nyaboke, died after being left unattended for over 24 hours while experiencing prolonged labour pains.

Hon. Donya expressed deep concern over the high maternal mortality rate in Kisii County, terming Magena Dispensary as unfit for service delivery.

"The staff here rely on rain water which they carry in jerry cans. The delivery rooms have no lights." Hon. Donya said.

The women MPs expressed outrage at the state of maternal healthcare in the region, placing the blame on the lack of basic amenities, negligence by staff and poor infrastructure. 

Nominated MP. Hon. Irene Mayaka called for immediate action against those responsible for the death of Ms. Nyaboke emphasizing the constitutional right to life and healthcare.

"We demand urgent accountability. Someone must be held responsible for this tragic loss," She said.

Transzoia County MP. Hon. Lilian Siyoi criticized the state of the facilities at the dispensary, noting that the condition of the maternity ward was worse than in the days before technology.

"Expectant mothers here are exposed to health risks and prone to serious infections," Hon. Sioyi said.

Kisumu County MP. Hon. Ruth Odinga questioned why the patient wasn't referred to another health facility.

"She should have been transferred. This case shouldn't go unresolved," she said.

Vihiga County MP. Hon. Dr. Beatrice Adagala demanded for closure of the dispensary to allow for urgent renovations. 

"We aren't going to lose mothers in this manner. The deceased underwent a lot of trauma before her demise. The Ministry of Health should swing up very fast and act with immediacy," She said.

Nyamira County MP. Hon. Jerusha Momanyi asked the County Government and the Ministry of Health to visit the facility, terming it as being akin to a "cow shed."

"This is heartbreaking. There is no electricity, water, or beds. We are saddened as Women MPs," Hon. Jerusha said.

Kwale County MP. Hon. Fatuma Masito said that the tragedy of the lives lost saddened the entire nation.

"Let's not play with people's lives. Delivery is not a sickness," Hon. Masito said.

The meeting was attended by area administration: the County Commissioner, area chiefs, sub-chiefs, and the local community who echoed the legislators' concerns.