Kwale county government seeks to boost healthcare delivery

Kwale,

Thursday, September 21, 2023

KNA by Hussein Abdullahi

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has reiterated the determination of her administration to change the healthcare narratives in the coastal county through the provision of adequate health care.

Speaking in her office Achani disclosed that in its commitment to bring quality health care closer to the people the devolved government has established and equipped about 165 primary health centers across the 20 administrative wards.

Governor Achani says since the inception of devolution in 2013 the number of primary healthcare facilities has risen from 65 to 165 functional health facilities.

She says the county has significantly improved healthcare services, with an increase in the number of health facilities, employment of healthcare workers, and the expansion of specialist services.

The Governor says the devolved government seeks to achieve long-term universal health coverage and promote a healthy and productive society.

“We are building the capacity for health workers, improving facilities and increasing access to quality healthcare,” she said.

Achani further says the ongoing construction of the Sh 65 million cancer treatment centre and the provision of free health services at Level 2 and 3 facilities have further improved access to quality healthcare in the region.

The county boss says the oncology centre once complete would ensure early detection for cancer and save many lives.

Achani says in a bid to increase access to quality healthcare at the grassroots her administration has also prioritized the recruitment and employment of healthcare workers in the county.

She says the number of healthcare workers has increased significantly from 365 to 1800 since 2013 ensuring a stronger and more competent workforce to cater to the healthcare needs of the population.

She says the county will continue to recruit requisite health workforce to ensure that all primary health care facilities have the minimum staffing requirements appropriate for their level.

“This increase includes specialists such as gynecologists, urologists, and psychologists, further enhancing the range of services available to the residents,” she said.

She says the provision of the health facilities at the grassroots level will facilitate easy access to healthcare services for the people such as improving immunization coverage, providing basic curative services, maternal and child health services among others.

“Expanding the healthcare facilities is the only way to ensure everyone has access to basic health services,” she said, adding that prioritization of health care services will continue.

She says the county welcomes partners who will help the devolved unit in the delivery of healthcare services to the people.

“We are determined to prioritize healthcare provision to ensure access to health services for all, particularly the poor, thus contributing to overall productivity,” she said.

On the issue of addressing the affordability of healthcare services she says the county has introduced free health services at Level 2 and 3 facilities.

She says this initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on the poor and vulnerable members of the community and ensure that no one is denied access to essential healthcare services due to financial constraints.

Governor Achani says the devolved government has been playing a critical role in boosting facilities and personnel in hospitals for improved healthcare delivery since 2013 and called for collective effort to improve the local healthcare system.

She says the county seeks to progressively increase funding for primary health care delivery by ensuring efficient budgeting aligned to annual operational plans.

Courtesy; KNA