Transforming Rehabilitation Care: PS Dr. Ouma Oluga Unveils Strategic Expansion Plan for NSIRH

August 25, 2026

Nairobi, 25 August 2026— The National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital (NSIRH) hosted the Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, for a strategic engagement focused on strengthening specialised spinal injury care, rehabilitation services and the hospital’s long-term development.

During the visit, the Principal Secretary toured key service areas, including the wards, Radiology Unit, Laboratory Services Unit, Physiotherapy Unit, Operating Theatre and the ongoing four-storey Outpatient Department project. He also received updates on the impact of equipment acquired through the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP) and the progress of ongoing infrastructure development.

The engagement highlighted opportunities to position NSIRH as a national centre of excellence in spinal injury and comprehensive rehabilitation, while leveraging the hospital’s specialised expertise to strengthen spinal injury services across the country. Proposed approaches include outreach services, telemedicine, strengthened referral networks, mentorship and capacity building for healthcare professionals.

Dr. Oluga emphasised the importance of patient-centred care, specialised training, workforce development, sustainable health financing, digital health, innovation, quality improvement and efficient utilisation of resources in advancing specialised healthcare services

Discussions further focused on key institutional priorities, including the implementation of the 350-bed Master Plan, development of a hydrotherapy pool, infrastructure expansion, specialised staffing, integration of mental health services and digital patient management systems.

The strategic engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Ministry of Health and NSIRH to expanding specialised spinal injury and rehabilitation services, strengthening the hospital’s capacity and improving the quality of care and health outcomes for patients.

The visit marks an important step towards advancing NSIRH’s vision of becoming a leading centre for spinal injury care, rehabilitation, innovation and specialised training in Kenya and the region.

← Back to News

CALENDAR

Upcoming Events & Schedule

JUL

World Population Day

Promoting equitable access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation, and disability-inclusive services to support healthier, more resilient communities for a growing population.

JUL

World Drowning Prevention Day

Raising awareness on drowning prevention through education, water safety, and timely emergency response to save lives and prevent avoidable injuries and disabilities.

AUG

International Youth Day

Empowering young people through health promotion, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and inclusive opportunities to build healthier and more resilient communities.

SEP

1-7

National Nutrition Week

Promoting healthy nutrition to support recovery, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and overall well-being for patients and the community.

SEP

World Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

Raising awareness about spinal cord injury prevention, early intervention, comprehensive rehabilitation, and the importance of empowering individuals to live independent and fulfilling lives.

SEP

World Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day

Theme: From Awareness to Action: Ten Years Advancing SCI Prevention. Promoting spinal cord injury prevention through education, advocacy, and collaborative action while advancing specialized care, rehabilitation, and improved quality of life for persons living with spinal cord injuries.

SEP

World Physiotherapy Day

Celebrating the vital role of physiotherapy in restoring movement, enhancing recovery, promoting independence, and improving quality of life through evidence-based rehabilitation.

SEP

World Suicide Prevention Day

Raising awareness about suicide prevention by promoting mental health, reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention, and connecting people with the support they need.

SEP

World First Aid Day

Promoting first aid knowledge and life-saving skills to enable timely emergency response, reduce injuries, and improve health outcomes.

SEP

13-19

National Suicide Prevention Week

Promoting mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to psychosocial support to prevent suicide and foster hope, resilience, and well-being.

SEP

World Patient Safety Day

Promoting safe, high-quality, patient-centred care by strengthening patient safety practices, reducing preventable harm, and fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement.

SEP

World Pharmacists Day

Theme: Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures. Recognizing the vital role of pharmacists in ensuring safe and effective medication use, advancing patient care, and improving health outcomes through collaborative, patient-centred healthcare.

OCT

5-9

Customer Service Week

Celebrating excellence in customer service by promoting professionalism, compassion, responsiveness, and patient-centred care to enhance every patient and visitor experience.

OCT

World Mental Health Day

Promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma, and encouraging access to quality mental health services to support healthier individuals and communities.

OCT

World Arthritis Day

Raising awareness about arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, effective treatment, and rehabilitation to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life.

OCT

Global Handwashing Day

Theme: Action Saves Lives Promoting proper hand hygiene practices to prevent infections, protect patients and healthcare workers, and save lives through simple, effective actions.

OCT

18-24

International Infection Prevention Week

Promoting infection prevention and control practices to reduce healthcare-associated infections, protect patients and healthcare workers, and improve the quality and safety of healthcare services.

OCT

World Spine Day

Theme: Spine Health for Life. Promoting lifelong spine health through prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, and healthy lifestyle practices to improve mobility, function, and quality of life.

OCT

World Anaesthesia Day

Theme: Anaesthesiology Along the Patient Pathway. Recognizing the vital role of anaesthesiology in ensuring safe, patient-centred care throughout the surgical journey, from preoperative assessment to recovery and pain management.

OCT

World Trauma Day

Promoting trauma prevention, timely emergency care, and comprehensive rehabilitation to reduce injuries, save lives, and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

OCT

World Occupational Therapy Day

Theme: Participation Matters. Celebrating the role of occupational therapy in enabling individuals to participate fully in everyday activities, promoting independence, inclusion, and improved quality of life through person-centred rehabilitation.