Crisis as ICUs run out of space due to Covid-19 surge

By , K24 Digital
On Thu, 11 Mar, 2021 10:34 | < 1 min read
Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi. PHOTO/File
Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi. PHOTO/File

Kenya is staring at a crisis after it emerged that all Intensive Care Units (ICU) beds in Nairobi County are full.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Dr Mercy Mwangangi, said the situation was also grim in counties with only a few beds are remaining.

During a meeting with legislators, CAS Mwangangi was categorical that it was no longer “if” but “when” a third wave will strike, saying there was already a spike in the number of Corona patients.

She said that as of Tuesday 11pm, there were no beds available in ICU departments at all hospitals in Nairobi.

“Yes, we are seeing an increase in the number of admissions in the ICU, which is definitely a third wave,” she said.

The CAS who appeared before the National Assembly’s Health Committee chaired by Murang’a County Woman Rep Sabina Chege, also said they have tasked Kenya Medical Research Institute centers in Kisumu and Kilifi counties to start conducting genomic surveillance of the new variants in the country.

Move follows the discovery of the new strain from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil after some patients tested positive for it.