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The government has identified Karuturi flower farm hospital in Naivasha as a potential isolation centre in the wake of an increase in cases of those testing positive to Covid-19.

According to officials from the Ministry of Health, the hospital that was closed down seven years ago was ideal as it had all the required facilities including wards.

This came as Nakuru county government expressed its commitment in refurbishing the once state of the art facility for use by area residents.

Already, the number of those confirmed positive have hit 246 as more cases are reported in other counties including Nakuru.

This emerged when officials from the ministry, Nakuru County and area leaders visited the hospital that is located 30kms from Naivasha town.

According to John Kamau from the department of public health, the facility was ideal for an isolation centre as it was fully equipped before it was closed down.

He noted that the hospital needed refurbishing before it could be opened up adding that the ministry was keen on its services.

“The ministry has been going around the county identifying facilities that can be turned into isolation wards and this one is ideal,” he said.

Kamau was however quick to note that this were part of mitigation plans by the government in containing the disease that has killed thousands globally.

“This is part of the government preparedness plan in containing this pandemic we shall identifying another centre in Naivasha,” he said

Area MCA Peter Pallang’a noted that the facility had remained closed for years despite its capability in offering health services.

He confirmed that the directors of the farm had consented to the hospital been turned into an isolation centre as the government increased efforts in containing the pandemic.

“This facility had wards, labs and beds and it can serve as an isolation ward in Nakuru and the county is fully behind this idea,” he said.

Pallang’a added that the county was in discussions with the owners of the farm on reopening the hospital that once served hundreds of area residents.

“This hospital served hundreds of people living around South lake and Olkaria areas and plans are at an advanced stage to reopen it,” he said.

Last week the ministry of health and Nakuru county government identified KWS training institute in Naivasha as another facility that can serve as an isolation centre.