By The News Booth Desk
Email: thecoastneswpaper@gmail.com
The county government of Mombasa has taken a significant step in the fight against COVID-19 by allocating Sh64 million for the expansion of the isolation centre at the Coast Province General Hospital. This substantial investment will increase the facility's capacity from the current 19 beds to 150 beds, addressing the urgent need for more space to accommodate COVID-19 patients as cases continue to rise in the region.
Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Thursday, Coast Province General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Iqbal Khandawalla highlighted the importance of this expansion. He explained that the upgraded facility will include special provisions for maternity beds, as well as dedicated sections for children and medical staff who may contract the virus. Dr. Khandawalla emphasized that these enhancements are crucial in the ongoing battle against the spread of the coronavirus, particularly as the county faces an increase in confirmed cases. "I want to thank the county government for the measures put in place to ensure that more space is allocated to combat the spread of coronavirus," he noted.
In addition to the expansion at the hospital, plans are underway to establish a more spacious isolation facility at the Technical University of Mombasa. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of the novel virus in the county, which has been a hotspot for infections.
The announcement was made during an event attended by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, who has been at the forefront of implementing stringent measures to control the pandemic. Governor Joho recently launched a sanitizing spray booth at the Likoni Ferry, where users are sprayed with a disinfectant solution before boarding. This measure is part of a series of actions aimed at reducing transmission rates in public spaces.
Governor Joho has been a vocal proponent of a total lockdown as a means to effectively manage the pandemic. His administration has also warned of legal action against residents who fail to adhere to government directives, earning him praise for his decisive leadership in the fight against COVID-19. The county's proactive approach has been recognized as a model for other regions grappling with the pandemic.
