Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital honoured nurses and healthcare workers for their dedication and contribution to healthcare service delivery on Friday during celebrations to mark International Nurses Week.
The commemoration brought together nurses, medical trainees, healthcare institutions, county officials, and partners. The meeting underscored the critical role played by frontline healthcare workers in saving lives and strengthening healthcare systems.
Healthcare workers from various departments received certificates of recognition for their commitment, professionalism, and service to patients across Garissa County and neighbouring regions.
The event was presided over by Ag. CEO of Garissa County Referral Hospital Hussein Basheey.
He commended nurses and healthcare workers for their resilience and sacrifice despite challenges facing the health sector.
“We celebrate the dedication and commitment of our nurses and healthcare workers who continue to serve communities with compassion and professionalism,” said Basheey.
He noted that nurses remain the backbone of healthcare delivery.
Mr. Basheey called for increased investment in staffing, training, and medical infrastructure to improve services in underserved areas.
Garissa Woman Representative Amina Udgoon Siyad paid tribute to nurses and frontline workers for their unwavering service.
Improved welfare and better working conditions for healthcare personnel across the country is vital, said Mrs. Udgoon.
“As we celebrate our healthcare heroes, we must also address the challenges they face including understaffing, poor working conditions, delayed employment, and low pay,” she said.
Garissa County Chief Officer for Health Abdia Abdiwahab reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems.
The officer said the local government is prioritizing improved coordination and workforce development.
Acting Director of Hospital Administration M.H. Bullow commended the healthcare workers for their dedication.
He said their efforts continue to save lives despite operational challenges in public hospitals.
Garissa Township Sub-County Administrator Madam Shaiya Hudle Hambe lauded healthcare workers for their role in promoting community wellbeing and urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to improve health services in the region.
The celebrations also featured participation from Kenya Medical Training College, NEP College, Blood Satellite during a blood donation drive, and St. John Ambulance.
International Nurses Week is marked globally to recognise the contribution of nurses and frontline caregivers in strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient care.
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