EXECUTIVE ORDER

Natembeya orders free health services for Trans Nzoia disabled

Says move seeks to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable communities

In Summary
  • Natembeya said he took the unprecedented move to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable communities.
  • Under the directive, public hospitals are now required to waive medical fees for all PWDs without National Hospital Insurance Fund or other Health Insurance schemes.
Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya speaking at his office in Kitale on July 18th 2023
Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya speaking at his office in Kitale on July 18th 2023
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI

Governor for Trans Nzoia George Natembeya has issued an executive order directing health facilities to offer free medical services to persons with disabilities in the region.

Natembeya said he took the unprecedented move to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable communities.

Under the directive public hospitals are now required to waive medical fees for all PWDs without National Hospital Insurance Fund or other Health Insurance schemes.

Natembeya said his administration was committed to ensure quality healthcare for residents of Trans Nzoia with particular focus on supporting and empowering PWDs.

The decision he said was to alleviate the significant financial burden faced by PWDs, granting them access to much-needed medical care without worrying about financial constraints.

"This decision will foster inclusivity and equality in healthcare provision across the county and hence lead to improved well-being and an overall better quality of life for PWDs," Natembeya said.

The county boss said the executive order was a major step towards building a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system in the county and setting an inspiring precedent for other regions to follow.

This initiative is expected to resonate positively with both residents and advocates for disability rights, as it marks a decisive stride towards achieving healthcare equity for all citizens.

Last month, the governor launched the NATECARE, a universal health system that aimed at ensuring that residents access quality medical services

“We must work towards ensuring that our people receive quality healthcare,” Natembeya said.

The county becomes the first to issue such an executive order targeting the PWDs

The county with a population of more than 1.1 million people has an estimated number of about 50,000 people with disabilities.

 

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