The Ruben Centre Maternity Unit hits the ground running
A mural painted at the entrance of the Ruben Centre Maternity unit. Photo: Stephen Tengo
As of 12th January 2021, a total of 52 expectant mothers had been admitted at the Ruben Health Centre's Maternity Unit since 1st January 2021. A total of 49 mothers safely delivered at the Maternity Unit while 3 mothers were referred to other health centres due to arising conditions during labour such as blood pressure, prolonged delivery and fetal distress. In addition, only 1 baby was referred to another health centre after being diagnosed with Asphixia or foetal distress after being delivered for specialized care.
The Ruben Health Centre's Maternity Unit continues to cater for the needs of expectant mothers from and beyond the Mukuru community by rendering relevant services. Some of these services include examination upon admission to determine the status of the mother and the baby. Baseline tests are also rendered to detect issues that may emanate from urinalysis, blood sugar and others.
The Comprehensive Care Clinic part of the Ruben Health Centre is involved throughout the process and actively facilitates services such as HIV counselling to the mothers as well as comprehensive health education before a mother is fully discharged. The Maternity Unit couples with other departments such as the physiotherapy faction of the Ruben Centre to promote the active mobility of newborns should their movements be at risk following birth.
Other noted complications such as diabetes, anaemia and high blood pressure are immediately referred to external health centres such as the Kenyatta National Hospital, Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and other private centres for mothers registered to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). In 2020, the Ruben Health Centre procured the delivery of a total of 1,229 babies whereas in 2019, the unit enabled the delivery of 936 babies.
The Linda Mama Programme which was initiated by the first lady Margaret Kenyatta as part of the Beyond Zero campaign caters for the delivery services. This ensures that the mothers are not charged for care during delivery. The Ruben Health Centre Ambulance also remains on standby in case of emergencies such as prolonged labour, excessive bleeding after delivery and others.
Moreover, postnatal care provided by the Ruben Health Centre continues upto six months to the mother and baby. During this period, mental health assessments, provision of supplements such as vitamin A, HIV and Family Planning counselling are conducted among others. As the population of the Mukuru community continues to increase, so does the need for support in ensuring that new births are compassionately handled. Support from well wishers, community volunteers, donors, partners and the health centre staff remain crucial in ensuring that new and continuing life is supported.
With the provision of crucial health services from the maternity unit, a just and empowered Mukuru community is possible. The Ruben Health Centre Maternity Unit is reachable on +254 797 969261.
Written by Stephen Tengo and the Maternity Unit staff.