Kerugoya modern Hospital proof that health docket is working under counties - Ruto

The national government has thrown its weight and trust behind County governments as far as the management of the health sector is concerned.

President William Ruto on Tuesday said that the sector is right on course and well managed under the devolved units.

Speaking after officially opening the new Kerugoya ultra-modern level five facility, the President added that the new hospital is a demonstration that counties are steadily managing health progressively and impeccably.

He added the national government will continue supporting the counties.

"We will continue to support counties to deliver on their health mandate because it is better managed here. Were it not the case, we would not be here celebrating this milestone," he said.

His sentiments come in the wake of a national debate as to whether it is appropriate to restore the health sector to the national government.

President Ruto announced a raft of measures that his administration will continue undertaking which is inclusive of working closely with the counties in an effort to equip the health facilities and other vital pharmaceuticals and nonpharmaceutical equipment.

Ruto said the national government will add 5 more doctors to the ICU unit for efficient services in the new hospital.

This he noted will help complement and ease the work done by the solo doctor who is currently managing the unit.

In addition, he noted that the state will put in place a policy and framework that will help secure funds raised for health-related purposes.

He noted that through the special Kitty facility improvement funds, the government will strictly utilize the funds in uplifting health.

"We want to make sure that the money raised is not diverted to other uses. We want the funds to be used in buying drugs and other equipment."

In line with the government's Bottom-up agenda, the Head of State said the government has set aside Sh15 billion to set in motion health wellness in rural areas through the employment of 100,000 Community health promoters.

He said the government will fully equip the medics who will be going round the villages while providing routine checkups and examining locals for minor ailments.

Ruto further stated that a special advisory council shall be formed in a bid to harmonize the sector among the professional counties and national governments.

On NHIF, he said the government would standardise the remittance monthly contribution in a bid to accommodate all Kenyans from different economic strata.

"We want Kenyans at the bottom of the economic pyramid to contribute what is in sync with their earnings and that is the reason we have a plan to reduce the contribution to Sh300," he said.

Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua lauded Governor Ann Waiguru for establishing an iconic facility that he stated will outlive her legacy as governor of Kirinyaga.

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha said her ministry will continue supporting the facility so that it can fully serve its function.

She hailed Waiguru's administration for not only completing the facility but for ensuring that it is equipped.

On her part, Waiguru termed the facility as a game changer that will tremendously improve the health of the locals.

She said that the launch of the facility was the culmination of the hard work and effort that had been put towards the hospital establishment that will now revolutionise and better health services.

She said the hospital has come a long way from the old built facility using outdated equipment to a state-of-the-art facility.

Governors present Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Muthomi Njuki(Tharaka Nithi) and other local leaders.

They lauded the facility as health transformative saying it will not only boost the health of county residents but will also serve the regional residents.

In addition, they said the launch of the facility is enough proof that devolution works.