- She said the gaps were created after the elevation and expansion of various health facilities
- The governor said the medics will play a great role in is strengthening primary healthcare
Image: WANGECHI WANG'ONDU
Kirinyaga county is set to hire more health workers as the county gets ready for Universal Health Coverage roll-out.
Governor Anne Waiguru said that the county will advertise 50 positions for medics to be filled in various health facilities.
She said the gaps were created after the elevation and expansion of various health facilities.
Waiguru said the elevation of Kerugoya County Referral Hospital to a Level 5 facility, construction and consequent elevation of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga Hospitals from level 3 to 4, requires additional medical personnel.
She said the county has also constructed additional 20 dispensaries and health centres, nine of which have been operationalised.
Waiguru said some of the positions that will be advertised include, specialized doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab-technicians.
She spoke on Friday while launching a free medical camp at Kimbimbi Subcounty Hospital.
The governor said the medics will play a great role in is strengthening primary healthcare which is at the heart of successful implementation of UHC.
Waiguru said the county has already engaged 1,222 Community Health Promoters, who will reach households with basic healthcare services.
She said CHPs programme will help reduce the burden on the county’s healthcare system by promoting healthier lifestyles, and providing vital health support to those in need.
The Council of Governors Chair said M-Mama digital emergency referral system is now registering women of child bearing age and taxis for maternity emergency response.
The programme aims at ensuring that all mothers deliver safely at a health facility.
Waiguru commended the team of medics at the free medical camp for volunteering their time and professional expertise to county residents.
She said the initiative has provided essential medical services and raised awareness on various health issues facing the society.
The two-day medical camp was a collaboration between the Kenya Airports Authority, the Mater Hospital and the County Government of Kirinyaga.
It was targeted to reach more than 3,000 patients from Kirinyaga county and its neighbouring areas.
Kirinyaga ranks among the counties having the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
“We have rolled out interventions that include, health education, roll out of medical checkups and clinics for the diseases in all medical facilities across the county and encouraging our people to reduce the major modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol and to increase physical activities," she said.
Waiguru said there is need to put concerted efforts to reverse the trend on communicable diseases like HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
The medical camp brought together a team of surgeons, theatre nurses, anesthetists, urologists, pediatric and adult cardiologists, gynecologists, laboratory technicians, general physicians and nurses.
Waiguru said her administration is committed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services.
Kenya Airport’s Authority Managing director, Henry Ogoye, expressed delight in the collaboration.
"We are delighted to partner with Mater Hospital and the County Government to bring this free Medical Camp to Kirinyaga," he said.
"Health is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to supporting the government’s vision of universal health coverage for every Kenyan."
KAA Board chairman, Caleb Kositany, acknowledged the collective efforts of KAA, Mater Hospital, and the Kirinyaga County Government in hosting such a transformative medical camp.
“By offering accessible healthcare, we are not just providing medical services, we are nurturing hope, strengthening communities, and embodying the true spirit of humanity," he said.
"This initiative signifies our dedication to the well-being of our people and underscores the power of collaboration in creating positive change."
Mwea constituency MP Mary Maingi said she will continue working closely with Governor Waiguru to ensure smooth implementation of development projects.
Maingi asked residents of Mwea to shun divisive politics being advanced by a section of leaders at the expense of development.
Image: WANGECHI WANG'ONDU
Image: WANGECHI WANG'ONDU