Uasin Gishu County Strengthens Preventive Healthcare Through Partnership with Tophill Hospital

By Wasike Elvis

The County Government of Uasin Gishu  has reaffirmed its commitment to building a healthy and productive workforce through a renewed partnership with Tophill Hospital, following a high-level health seminar attended by more than 70 county directors and deputy directors.

The engagement, held in Eldoret, that  was fully sponsored by Tophill Hospital CEO Dr Florentius  Koech ,brought together senior county officials and medical experts for in-depth discussions on preventive healthcare, workplace wellness, and specialized treatment options. The seminar is part of a broader initiative by the Department of Public Service Management (PSM) to proactively address emerging health concerns among county employees.

Focus on Preventive Care and Leadership Wellness

Speaking during the session, Eric Ngeno, Hospital Operations Manager at Tophill Hospital, emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, particularly among leaders entrusted with public service responsibilities.

“This morning we have had comprehensive discussions covering health economics, reproductive health, chronic illnesses, and specialized brain and spine care,” Ngeno said. “As leaders, it is critical that we take deliberate steps to safeguard our own health while also ensuring that we create supportive environments for the staff under our supervision.”

 

Ngeno noted that many work-related health conditions can be prevented through early awareness, lifestyle adjustments, and proper workplace ergonomics. He highlighted the hospital’s ongoing efforts to move beyond curative services and invest heavily in preventive interventions.

“At Tophill Hospital we are not only passionate about treatment. We are equally committed to prevention. Many conditions related to workplace strain and lifestyle habits can be managed or even eradicated if addressed early,” he said.

This marks the third time the hospital has conducted a similar health forum in Uasin Gishu   County. Over the past year, Top Heal Hospital has organized at least nine health seminars across corporate institutions, county governments, and organizations in the North Rift region.

Addressing Rising Spine and Posture-Related Cases

Nathan Koech, Director of Human Resource Management in the Department of Public Service Management for the County Government of Uasin Gishu , described the seminar as timely, particularly in light of rising cases of spine-related ailments among employees.

“We have observed an increase in reported cases of discomfort associated with prolonged sitting, poor posture, and long working hours,” Koech said. “As a county, we felt it was important to partner with a specialized institution like Tophill Hospital to give our staff expert guidance on preventive measures.”

Top Heal Hospital was initially established as a specialized brain and spine facility. Over time, it has expanded its scope to include more than 20 medical specialties, including orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, and radiology among others . Today, the hospital offers an estimated 80 percent of key medical specialties under one roof, making it one of the region’s comprehensive private healthcare providers.

During the session, medical experts from the hospital guided county leaders on practical interventions such as proper sitting posture, ergonomic workspace setup, regular stretching exercises, and early screening for chronic conditions. Participants were also taken through discussions on mental wellness and stress management, both of which are increasingly recognized as critical components of workplace productivity.

 

Medical Cover and Employee Welfare

The county government has already taken steps to cushion employees through a comprehensive medical cover that insures all staff and their dependents. According to Koech, this aligns with the governor’s manifesto commitment to fostering a healthy and productive workforce.

“We have procured medical cover for all county employees and their families. This ensures access to quality healthcare services whenever needed,” he said. “However, beyond insurance, prevention is key. That is why we are investing in continuous engagement with health experts.”

Tophill Hospital  partners with more than 40 insurance providers, including the insurer currently covering Uasin Gishu  County employees. The hospital has served county staff for the past six years under various insurance arrangements and memoranda of understanding with institutions across the region.

Koech emphasized that the county plans to institutionalize quarterly health talks targeting different medical specialties. Future sessions will involve other hospitals in Eldoret and beyond, focusing on areas such as chronic disease management, pediatric health, reproductive health, and lifestyle-related conditions.

“Eldoret is endowed with several specialized health facilities. We will be reaching out to various experts to ensure that our workforce receives comprehensive and continuous health education,” he said.

 

A Long-Standing Partnership

County officials expressed appreciation to the management of Tophill Hospital for its longstanding support and close collaboration with the county government.

“We have had a long partnership with Tophill Hospital, even before contracting the current medical cover provider. They have consistently supported our staff in matters of treatment and care,” Koech noted.

Special recognition was extended to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. F. Koech, for his instrumental role in organizing the leadership-focused seminar and championing preventive healthcare initiatives.

“These are the leaders who drive the county government agenda. Equipping them with health knowledge ensures that the message cascades throughout the entire workforce,” Koech added.