Kiambu residents have been challenged to utilize the maternity services offered at government hospitals instead of spending a lot of money in private hospitals.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Thika Level Five Hospital, Beth Wanjiru, a nurse, said many women in the area have shunned the facilities offered by the county government despite their cheap and quality service delivery. She pointed out that Kiambu County government paid Sh1,500 for every child born at the Thika Level Five Hospital which was a good source of revenue for expansion.

“A big percentage of pregnant women prefer using the traditional birth attendants while others go to private hospitals instead of seeking quality and cheap services of qualified personnel at government hospitals. The county health management team is committed to ensuring that the services being offered in government hospitals are up to  standards despite resource challenges,” said Wanjiru.

She called on all expectant women to deliver in these facilities, saying that they had qualified staff and modern equipment. Wanjiru said Igegania Hospital which was recently appreciated for its quality services was receiving more patients and thereby urged Thika residents to join in growing the number of people who attend the government facilities citing their efficiency in delivering better services.