Wajir: Wajir County has received a major boost in its healthcare sector following the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Baitulmaal Level 4 Not-for-Profit Hospital, a project expected to strengthen access to quality and affordable medical services for residents.

According to Kenya News Agency, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, in a speech read on his behalf by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Habiba Ali, welcomed the partnership between the county government and Baitulmaal. He described the project as a significant milestone in improving healthcare delivery in the county.

Speaking during the ceremony, Habiba Ali noted that the commencement of the hospital's construction marked more than the start of a building project, representing a new chapter in the provision of healthcare services for the people of Wajir. She emphasized the shared commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to quality, affordable, and timely healthcare.

The CECM highlighted the county government's commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project and creating an enabling environment for partnerships that strengthen service delivery. Habiba also acknowledged Baitulmaal's previous support to the county's health sector, including cataract surgeries, training of healthcare workers, and donations of essential maternity equipment.

Habiba reiterated the county government's dedication to expanding access to quality medical services, noting the distribution of 178 health facilities across Wajir County. She explained that the new Level 4 hospital will provide various healthcare services while complementing existing public health facilities.

According to Habiba, the new hospital will become an integral part of the county referral system, improving efficiency and health outcomes by reducing unnecessary referrals outside the county. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between various sectors to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Baitulmaal Kenya Founder and CEO, Ugas Sheikh Mohammed, described the hospital project as the biggest undertaking in the partnership with the Wajir County government. He noted that the successful implementation of the project would depend on close collaboration between the two institutions.

Ugas highlighted that while the county government would provide skilled personnel, Baitulmaal would contribute equipment and resources to ensure quality healthcare services. He expressed the vision for the facility to establish a modern institution founded on excellence and access to specialized healthcare services.

Baitulmaal International CEO, Mazen Mokhtar, stated that the hospital reflects the organisation's commitment to long-term community development through sustainable investments. He noted that the new hospital would enable residents to access healthcare services within their communities, reducing travel distances and waiting times.

The project is expected to complement existing public health facilities and contribute to improved access to quality healthcare services for the growing population of Wajir County.