Tana River restores CT scan services to reduce patient travel costs

The Tana River County government restored CT scan and X-ray services at Hola Hospital to stop patients from traveling to other counties for diagnostic tests.

Previously, the lack of a functional CT scan machine forced the hospital to refer between 16 and 30 patients every month to Mombasa, a city on the coast of Kenya. County Director of Health Dr Nicholas Mwenda stated that approximately 50 per cent of these referrals were due to the missing scan service.

Patients like Hadija Adhan and Abdi Ramadhan faced high costs for transport and accommodation when seeking care outside the county. The restoration of these services helps residents access specialized examinations closer to home. Patients who previously paid between Sh6,000 and Sh15,000 for scans in other areas can now receive them locally. The county also resumed panoramic dental X-ray services in the local dental clinic. Dr Mwenda said the move allows the Department of Health to redirect funds.

The county previously spent at least Sh30,000 in fuel per referral to Mombasa. Officials plan to use these savings to purchase medicines and improve other healthcare needs. The county also installed vaccine cold storage units to support local immunization services.