Kwale: Kwale County has embarked on upgrading local health facilities to enhance effective healthcare service delivery to the people. Area Governor Fatuma Achani says the devolved government has embarked on revitalising existing primary healthcare facilities for better comprehensive service delivery to the residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Achani stated that before the inception of devolution in 2013, Kwale had only 35 health centres, but today it boasts 178 health facilities spread across the sub-counties of Matuga, Msambweni, Kinango, Samburu, Shimba Hills, and Lunga Lunga. “We have constructed 178 health facilities and employed 1800 health workers as measures to improve the health sector, not forgetting engaging 1,632 community health promoters who have been empowered with medical skills and aid kits to assist residents at the village level,” said Achani.
Governor Achani officially inaugurated the Bonje Dispensary in Mwamdudu village, Kasemeni ward, Kinango Sub County. She has emphasiz
ed the empowerment of community health workers to provide maternal and newborn health services, especially in rural and far-flung parts of the vast county. The initiative is part of the devolved government’s strategy to improve healthcare service delivery.
During her visit to Kinango Sub County, Achani, accompanied by County Health Executive Francis Gwama, reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that medical services reach the doorsteps of the people. In a significant stride towards combating cancer, Kwale recently commissioned a state-of-the-art oncology facility at the Kwale sub-county hospital. This facility aims to provide essential cancer treatment services to area residents, reducing the need for long-distance travel to established treatment centres.
Achani also highlighted the ongoing construction of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Renal Unit at the Kinango sub-county hospital. These facilities are deemed essential for delivering critical care during e
mergencies and addressing the increasing prevalence of kidney-related health issues in the community. “The oncology centre, intensive care unit, and renal unit are among many facilities being constructed to provide a conducive environment for delivering quality healthcare services,” she noted, aiming to create a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the citizens.
Despite these advancements, Governor Achani acknowledged challenges, particularly in the supply of medicines due to late disbursement of funds from the national government, resulting in drug shortages in many facilities. Nonetheless, she assured that healthcare remains a top priority of her administration, urging residents to patronise public facilities for quality and affordable healthcare services.
Achani’s tour of health centres aims to inspect the state of medical facilities, gather firsthand information, and assess their current status to identify gaps requiring immediate action, reaffirming Kwale County’s commitment to placing healthc
are at the forefront of development.