Governor Natembeya to Equip Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital

Governor George Natembeya has disclosed that his administration is currently engaged in discussions with the national government and private partners to forge a collaborative effort in equipping the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital.

He emphasized the pivotal role this facility is poised to play in enhancing the healthcare standards within the county.

The governor made these remarks following a meeting with the Senate Health Committee, led by Chairman Senator Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu County, during their visit to the county on Friday.

Governor Natembeya expressed his unwavering commitment to implementing initiatives aimed at bringing healthcare services closer to the citizens.
These initiatives include increasing the budget allocation for healthcare, ensuring adequate drug supplies in healthcare facilities, procuring additional ambulances, establishing an ambulance command center, expanding the healthcare workforce, upgrading existing healthcare facilities, and constructing new hospitals, such as the TOM Mboya Mother and Child Hospital.

Governor Natembeya also addressed concerns regarding the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) failing to promptly distribute drugs procured by the county.
He called upon the Senate Health Committee to assist the county in resolving the issue of the wage bill, noting that the cap on wage expenditure has hindered the recruitment of critical healthcare personnel, which is crucial for delivering healthcare services to the citizens.

Senator Mandago, in his response, urged counties to ensure that healthcare facilities are accredited by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). He stressed the importance of NHIF promptly remitting funds to healthcare facilities in counties, emphasizing that irregular disbursements have been adversely affecting services in public healthcare facilities.

Senator Mandago challenged counties to prioritize the security of healthcare facilities and safeguard the costly equipment installed within them.

Trans Nzoia senator Allan Chesang emphasized the need for heightened security measures and recommended the use of technology to reduce security costs.

He suggested the installation of CCTV systems and drug management systems as practical solutions to enhance the security of drugs and other medical supplies.

The Senate Health Committee, comprising Vice Chair Mariam Omar Sheikh, Senators Raphael Chimera, and Julius Murgor, is currently in the county to assess the performance of the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on the status of the county referral hospital.