The County Government of Uasin Gishu has successfully conducted its first total knee arthroplasty under the new Social Health Insurance (SHA) initiative. This milestone operation, performed at Burnt Forest Sub County Hospital, symbolizes a significant step towards improved surgical care for residents.
Under the leadership of Governor Dr Jonathan Bii, the complex three-hour surgery was masterfully executed by a dedicated team led by orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Dr Langat Ptallah in an operation that saw the integral contributions of skilled nurses Amon Bite, Ann Karanja, Chirchir, and the anaesthesia team led by Allan.
Speaking during a wellness checkup on the client, Clinical Services Chief Officer Dr Joyce Sang expressed his satisfaction with the procedure, noting that the patient is now in recovery and responding well.
“This successful operation underscores Governor Dr Jonathan Bii’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for the community,” She stated.
Highlighting the importance of timely procurement of surgical implants that made this achievement possible, Dr Sang encouraged residents with knee and bone problems to enrol in the SHA program, emphasizing that it would cover all expenses related to arthroplasty, a procedure often deemed prohibitively expensive.
“The success of this operation is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together. We want to ensure that our community benefits from affordable healthcare,” Dr. Sang remarked.
She added, “The patient benefited from free medical services provided by SHA, with a staggering Ksh 325,000 claimed from the surgical procedure, showcasing the financial relief provided by the initiative,”.
The CO further noted that the operation stands as a beacon of hope for members of the public suffering from knee problems therefore encouraging them to seek necessary treatment without the burden of exorbitant costs.
She called on public members to register with the Social Health Authority to access medical services adding that those with lost national Identity cards should replace them and register with the authority highlighting that most people from Ndungulu village don’t have the cards.
According to the client, Eusila Kemboi, a resident of Chemina in Kesses Sub County, was grateful for the assistance she got for the knee problem which has been plastering her for a long time thanking Governor Dr Jonathan Bii for installing the theatre services at Burnt Forest.
Caroline Chemoiywo, the facility in charge, said: “We are happy as a facility to conduct this first procedure,and apart from this we have also done the total heap replacement therefore I want to call upon members of the public to make use of our facility because we don’t charge anything when a patient is registered for SHA.
