US charity breaks ground for modern Level 4 hospital in Wajir
The project, an initiative of Baitulmaal International in partnership with the Wajir County Government, will offer a wide range of services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency
A United States-based humanitarian organisation has broken ground for the construction of a modern Level 4 hospital in Wajir County, a major healthcare investment expected to improve access to quality, affordable and specialised medical services for thousands of residents.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Baitulmaal Hope Hospital was held on Saturday, marking what stakeholders described as a significant milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery in the county.
The facility, an initiative of Baitulmaal International in partnership with the Wajir County Government, will offer a wide range of services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency treatment, maternal and child healthcare, and selected specialist services. It is also expected to complement existing public health facilities and strengthen the county's referral system.
Baitulmaal Kenya Chief Executive Officer Ugas Sheikh Mohammed described the hospital as the largest project undertaken through the organisation's partnership with the Wajir County Government. "We have implemented many initiatives together, but this is the biggest test of our partnership because we will be working closely with the county government to deliver on the promises we are making to the people of Wajir," he said.
He explained that while the county government will provide skilled healthcare personnel, Baitulmaal will equip the facility and provide other critical resources needed to deliver quality healthcare services.
Ugas said the organisation's vision is to establish a modern healthcare institution founded on excellence, affordability and equitable access to specialised medical services.
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He added that the hospital plans to attract specialist doctors from different parts of the world to conduct regular outreach programmes, enabling residents to access advanced treatment locally instead of travelling to other counties.
Baitulmaal International Chief Executive Officer Mazen Mokhtar said the project demonstrates the organisation's commitment to long-term community development through sustainable investments in essential services.
He noted that the hospital will significantly reduce the burden on patients who currently travel long distances in search of specialised treatment, while shortening waiting times and making healthcare services more accessible and affordable.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, in a speech delivered on his behalf by County Executive Committee Member for Health Habiba Ali, welcomed the partnership, saying the commencement of construction marked a new chapter in healthcare provision in the county.
"The new Baitulmaal Hope Hospital will become an integral part of our county referral system by providing Level 4 services and referring patients requiring advanced specialist treatment to the county referral hospital. This coordinated referral system will improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary referrals outside the county and ultimately improve health outcomes," she said.
Habiba also commended Baitulmaal for its previous contributions to Wajir's health sector, including restoring sight to more than 4,000 patients through cataract surgeries, training healthcare workers on emergency maternal and newborn care, and donating essential maternity equipment to Wajir County Referral Hospital.
Once completed, the Baitulmaal Hope Hospital is expected to ease pressure on existing health facilities while expanding access to quality healthcare services for Wajir County's growing population.
