Baringo – Residents in Baringo County are poised to experience a marked improvement in healthcare services as the County government commissions 1,500 Community Health Promoters (CHPs). The initiative aims to enhance the delivery of essential healthcare services, including diagnosis and treatment of common ailments.
According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, Governor Benjamin Cheboi said the commissioned CHPs are equipped with critical health kits, such as blood pressure and ultrasound machines. “They will test your blood pressure levels, diabetes and if they exceed the normal range, you will be referred to a doctor,” Cheboi elaborated. The governor was speaking at this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Marigat playground.
For expectant mothers, the CHPs will perform ultrasound scans to assess the condition of unborn children. If issues are identified, mothers will be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment, such as caesarean sections. Cheboi urged the community to cooperate with the CHPs, who will also be responsible for delivering key health messages, conducting household registrations, and treating common illnesses under the guidance of Health Assistants.
In his remarks, the governor also noted ongoing improvements at the hospital in Kabarnet to upgrade it to a full-fledged Referral Hospital. “We will do everything to make Baringo County Referral Hospital have diagnostic services,” he said. Cheboi called on Members of the County Assembly to allocate funds in the budget to ensure that each hospital has a resident doctor, in response to concerns raised by Barwessa Ward MCA, Josephat Loorio.
The County has also launched the Primary Healthcare Network in Baringo South Sub-County. The initiative received support from the Ministry of Health and USAID and aims to strengthen primary healthcare services by establishing an efficient network of healthcare practitioners and facilities. Governor Cheboi said the program will be extended to other sub-counties in the near future. He also warned against laxity and corruption among healthcare workers, stating that those found culpable will be terminated.
Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa encouraged residents to cooperate with CHPs in the newly launched health preventive program. Additionally, Area Legislator Charles Kamuren announced plans to establish a Kenya Medical Training College at Marigat and allocated Sh. 20 million from the National Government Constituency Development Fund for its construction.