Optional caesarean surgeries have been temporarily suspended at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital to allow medics to attend to patients with gunshot wounds.
On Thursday, 11 patients were rushed to the hospital after allegedly being shot by anti-riot police while repelling anti-Finance Bill 2024 protesters from accessing Homa Bay town’s central business district.
Homa Bay Health Executive Roselyn Omollo stated that the directive was issued to enable medics to respond to these emergencies and save lives. Among the injured, eight people required surgery for their gunshot wounds.
The hospital utilized all available theatre rooms, including those at the maternity ward. All six theatres, including two in the maternity wing, were used to handle the cases.
“The decision was reached to enable us respond faster and save lives of the patients. Some six patients needed quick medical attention because they were profusely bleeding,” Omollo said.
Speaking when she visited the patients at the hospital, the executive member said they also mobilised doctors from other facilities especially from subcounties to help in the operations.
Omollo said they were alert and ready to respond to such emergencies.
“Such patients are taken for medication immediately they arrive at the hospital. Medics do surgeries where necessary as nurses provide close monitoring.”
Among the 11 patients, two were attended to and are in stable condition. Hospital matron Carolyn Adongo mentioned that these two patients, who sustained gunshot wounds on their upper limbs, are likely to be discharged on Friday morning.
Governor Gladys Wanga, on Wednesday, urged the police to refrain from using excessive force on protesters, emphasizing that individuals exercising their constitutional rights should not be mistreated. She assured that her administration would cover the medical bills of the injured.
“Let the police exercise total restraint in handling protesters. Police should not act in a manner that is provocative,” Wanga stated.
Thursday’s protests significantly disrupted businesses in Homa Bay town as youths clashed with police, resulting in blocked roads and paralyzed transport services in the area.
