County Rolls Out 40 POCUS Machines to Boost Diagnostic Services in Health Facilities

The County Department of Health and Sanitation, led by CECM Monicah Rotich, has officially flagged off and deployed Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) machines to selected health facilities in a major step toward strengthening diagnostic services at the grassroots level.

The rollout, conducted in collaboration with AMPATH, aims to enhance timely diagnosis and clinical decision-making across the county’s health system.

POCUS devices are portable diagnostic imaging tools that allow trained healthcare providers to conduct bedside ultrasound examinations. The technology is particularly critical in obstetric, breast, cardiac, and lung care, where timely imaging can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce referrals.

Speaking during the exercise, CECM Monicah Rotich underscored the county’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services through innovation and strategic partnerships. She noted that the deployment of the devices will strengthen early detection and management of medical conditions, especially in lower-level health facilities that previously lacked imaging capacity.

To ensure effective utilization of the equipment, 190 healthcare workers across the county’s four sub-counties have already undergone specialized training on the use of POCUS in routine clinical practice. The training program is ongoing in Marakwet East and Marakwet West, with the goal of expanding coverage and ensuring more facilities benefit from the initiative.

So far, 40 POCUS devices have been deployed in Keiyo South and Keiyo North, covering Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 health facilities. Each device has been issued with a secure safety box to guarantee proper storage, protection, and long-term sustainability.

The partner team was led by AMPATH Population Program Coordinator, Mrs. Mary Kipchumba, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting county health systems through capacity building, innovation, and sustainable healthcare interventions.

Also present during the flag-off were Director Isaac Kipyego, Lawrence Kogos, Medical Superintendent of Iten County Referral Hospital, and other senior county health officials.

Health officials expressed optimism that the deployment of the POCUS machines will reduce delays in diagnosis, lower the burden of referrals to higher-level facilities, and ultimately improve maternal and general health outcomes across the county.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing accessible, technology-driven healthcare services and demonstrates the power of collaboration between county governments and development partners in transforming community health systems.