This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
As of Monday, June 8, 2020, Nairobi had recorded 1,283 positive coronavirus cases. In response, the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) has initiated efforts to increase the city's capacity to handle Covid-19 patients.
The NMS, led by Director General Mohammed Badi, has identified several locations to set up additional beds. These include Lady Griffin, Pumwani, and Bahati Health Centre, where 190, 90, and 50 beds will be established, respectively. The facilities will serve as isolation centres for asymptomatic Covid-19 patients.
According to Josephine Mbae, NMS Director for Health Services, the surge in Covid-19 cases necessitates an increase in bed capacity. The existing isolation centres at Mbagathi, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Kenyatta University will be bolstered by the new additions.
At Mama Lucy Hospital, the NMS will establish a 50-bed capacity wing and an additional 18 beds in the Intensive Care Unit. This will enable the monitoring of patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms.
The NMS is also collaborating with the Nairobi County Government to renovate medical wards at Mbagathi Hospital, adding 100 more beds. These wards will be transformed into isolation centres for critically ill patients.
Furthermore, the NMS plans to establish community isolation centres in informal settlements to provide accessible care for those in need.
