Nyamira, Kenya – The National Senate Health Committee has advised Governor Amos Nyaribo of Nyamira County to optimize the use of the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) for enhancing healthcare services within the county. This counsel came during an unexpected tour by the committee to evaluate the service delivery and infrastructure development status at various health facilities in Nyamira County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee, there is a notable underutilization of public health facilities in the county. Mandago attributed this to inadequate healthcare services, leading residents to seek alternatives in private facilities. “The facilities we visited today show a concerning trend of low patient turnout, even for basic healthcare services. This is an indication that the public health sector in Nyamira is not meeting the residents’ needs, prompting them to turn to private healthcare providers,” Mandago remarked.
He urged Governor Nyaribo to efficiently utilize the FIF to ensure that public health facilities, especially those in remote areas, are adequately stocked with essential drugs. He also recommended deploying qualified medical personnel to these facilities to provide specialized services and make healthcare more accessible and affordable for the vulnerable and impoverished populations.
Murang’a Senator Joseph Ngugi, a member of the health committee, suggested that the county collaborate with the human resource council to conduct regular training forums for healthcare staff. These forums would focus on improving customer relations skills, which are crucial for patient satisfaction.
Governor Nyaribo expressed gratitude for the Senate’s observations, describing them as an eye-opener and a valuable tool for improving healthcare services in the county. He acknowledged the need for improvement in service delivery at public healthcare facilities and pledged to work diligently to address the issues raised by the Senate committee.
“The Senate’s assessment has provided me with a clear picture of the areas that require attention in our healthcare services. I am committed to implementing the recommendations and ensuring efficient service delivery at all health facilities in Nyamira County. This aligns with my political campaign promises, and I will coordinate with my executive committee members to realize these improvements,” Nyaribo stated.
He also highlighted the significant portion of the budget allocated to health services, emphasizing that there should be a corresponding high level of performance and service delivery in this sector.