MANDAGO CALLS ON NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO RELEASE HEALTH FUNDS RETAINED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has called on the national government to release the more than sh 150b meant to improve health services in the devolved government but still retained at the Ministry of Health saying health is a devolved function.

Mandago says the money retained at the ministry of health should be released to improve health services at the counties while criticising the national government for assuming some of the roles that are supposed to be undertaken by the counties.

Speaking during a function at the Uasin Gishu District Hospital ,Mandago said most hospitals in Uasin Gishu are more operational with drugs and health personnel able to offer services that were not there before devolution.

Health Services County Executive Committee Member Dr Everlyne Rotich said the county is keen to support the Universal Health Coverage by providing the necessary health infrastructure in both the sub county and the referral Hospitals, adding that the county has already registered more than 14000 indigents under the going registration of UHC program.

Rotich noted a great improvement from the drug distributor KEMSA of atleast over 70% delivery of drugs to the county compared to previous years when less percentage could be delivered.This, she said has enabled the county to provide drugs to the health facilities including those for treatment of hypertensive, diabetes mellitus among others.

She added that the county now has over 16 ambulances, 127 health facilities that have made it easier for residents to access health services within their reach.