Busia County keen on strengthening primary healthcare systems

By Peter Ochieng

The Busia county administration is keen on strengthening primary healthcare systems, as a key step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the benefit of residents in the border devolved unit.

Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma on Thursday said his government will continue to partner with the national government, through the ministry of health to address the challenges bedeviling the health sector.

The challenges, governor Otuoma said include lack of adequate equipment, pharmaceuticals and non pharmaceuticals as well as personnel.

He spoke during a meeting with Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health and Sanitation Susan Nakhumicha, who was in Busia for a spot check on the progress of UHC.

"I laud the CS for her efforts in pushing for delivery of quality affordable healthcare devoid of financial strain."

He added, "At the Council of Governors, we will continue to support the ministry of health agenda since our client is one and it is our collective responsibility to iron out any hindrances that impede the achievement of this robust program."

During her visit to Nangina Mission Hospital in Busia, the CS emphasised on the pivotal role played by private medical sectors in delivering quality healthcare, a crucial step towards realising UHC.

The CS confirmed National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) disbursement of Sh2.5 million out of the Sh22.5 million owed to the facility, despite the recent temporary halt of the Social Health Insurance Fund Act 2023 by a high court ruling.

"Current NHIF structures cater mainly to salaried individuals, leaving out many Kenyans. Our goal is to ensure universal access through the Social Health Authority. The government will support those unable to pay. Today, Sh2.5 million has been remitted, with the remaining amount soon to follow after reconciling pending figures," she stated.

She committed to securing adequate medical supplies and staffing, underscoring the crucial role of local facilities in delivering affordable healthcare.

"I intend to identify gaps in dispensaries and health centers, fostering strong partnerships between County and National governments."

Busia County has 193 health facilities spread across the seven sub counties with 6.7% being faith-based (13), while 50.8% belong to the Ministry of Health (98).

4.7% of the facilities are under NGO’s (9) and 37.8% are listed as private facilities (73).