Nairobi, KENYA June 29, 2018 – The Cabinet Secretary for Health Sicily Kariuki is appealing to well wishers to donate blood for the Gikomba fire victims who are recuperating at Kenyatta National Hospital and other health facilities.
The blood donation can be made at the National Blood Transfusion Centre tent at Kenyatta Hospital grounds to supplement the Hospital’s Blood bank. Well-wishers are also requested to donate refreshments for those donating blood.
The CS made the remarks today while visiting the fire victims at KNH and urged other players in the health sector to give support in terms of supplies of medicine and non-pharms until those in hospital fully recover.
She disclosed that the government will find ways of supporting the victims who are not covered with NHIF. The Ministry will also supplement Kenyatta National Hospital’s stock of requisite medication and medical commodities to cater for this emergency.
“We have liaised with the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency and Ministry departments to provide, 1000 blood bags, 100 doses of antibiotics and 50 mosquito nets among other necessities,” she revealed.
Out of the 74 patients who were admitted at the hospital with fire burns, 47 have been discharged while one patient died in the ward and another died at the Accident and Emergency Centre.
The CS thanked various organizations who have come to the rescue of the victims and sent her condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.
“I wish to appreciate the support from the St. Johns Ambulance, the Kenya Redcross, MSF and the Nairobi County Government for providing ambulances. I also commend members of the public who have assisted the Gikomba fire patients access medical care as well as the Kenyatta Hospital Staff for managing the situation well,” she noted.