Kirinyaga County Government will hire additional health professionals as county gets ready for roll-out of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Governor Anne Waiguru said that the county will advertise for 50 positions of various cadres of medics to fill some gaps that have been created by elevation and expansion of various health facilities.
She said elevation of Kerugoya County Referral Hospital to a Level Five facility, construction and consequent elevation of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga Hospital from level three to four requires additional medical personnel.
The county has also constructed additional 20 dispensaries and health centres, nine of which have been operationalised.
While launching a free medical camp at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, the governor noted that the additional specialized doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab-technicians among other categories medics will play a great role in is strengthening of Primary Healthcare which is at the heart of successful implementation of UHC.
She said that the county has already engaged 1,222 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who will reach households with basic healthcare services or offer the required referrals to their link health facilities.
The governor noted that CHPs programme will help in reducing 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 (CoG) Chair also noted that M-Mama digital emergency referral system is now registering women of child bearing age and taxis for maternity emergency response. The program aims at ensuring that all mothers will deliver safely at a health facility.
Waiguru commended the team of medics at the free medical camp for volunteering their time and professional expertise for the good of county residents. She underscored the importance of such social corporate initiatives in providing essential medical services as well as raising awareness on various health issues facing the society.
The two-day medical camp that aims at serving over 3000 patients from Kirinyaga County and its surrounding areas is a collaboration between the Kenya Airports Authority, the Mater Hospital and the County Government of Kirinyaga.
She termed the camp as a timely intervention given that 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.”, said the governor.
She added that equally, communicable diseases like HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis continue to be a major public health issue in Kenya and are among the leading causes of death in Kenya and therefore concerted effort must be made to reverse the trend.
The medical camp brought together a team made up of Surgeons, Theatre Nurses, Anesthetists, Urologists, Pediatric and Adult Cardiologists, Gynecologists, Laboratory Technicians, General Physicians and Nurses who will offer diagnostic, treatment and surgeries where need be. Among these medics are 25 doctors from Kirinyaga County.
It will offer a wide range of essential healthcare services, including free consultations, diagnoses, minor surgeries, and medications.
Comprehensive healthcare services addressing dental problems, breast cancer, pneumonia, typhoid, malaria, and HIV/AIDS counseling and testing will be provided.
Waiguru reiterated that her administration is committed to the provision of accessible and affordable healthcare services highlighting the various service delivery and infrastructure development project she has been implementing.
The Kenya Airport’s Authority Managing Director, Henry Ogoye, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We are delighted to partner with Mater Hospital and the County Government to bring this free Medical Camp to Kirinyaga County. Health is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to supporting the government’s vision of universal health coverage for every Kenyan,“ he said
In a statement, the 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. 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.