Free maternal services have greatly contributed to skilled birth attendance in Busia County over the last three years.
According to the Medical Superintendent of Busia County Teaching and Referral Hospital, Dr. Janerose Ambuchi, the hospital has to date witnessed an increase in skilled birth attendance from 2844 to 3735 since the launch of free maternal services in 2013.
She said during the same period, live births increased from 2742 to 3594 and the mortality rate reduced from 438 in 2013 to 278 last year.
The First Lady who is in Western region will on Thursday 8th June 2016, deliver the 42nd fully kitted Beyond Zero Mobile Clinic to Busia County.
Dr. Ambuchi said the Beyond Zero Mobile clinic will greatly supplement the Busia County medical services as it will facilitate access to more people in far flung areas.
“We have been very expectant and excited about this visit since the launch of Beyond Zero initiative by the First Lady. This mobile clinic will help us reach out to more women and children in remote areas of our county,” said Dr. Ambuchi.
She pointed out that 40% of women who seek maternal services at the hospital are from the neighbouring country of Uganda.
Women who have delivered at the hospital expressed gratitude that the waiver of maternity fees and the expansion of training through the Kenya Medical Training Centre has made it more attractive for majority of women to seek maternal services in public hospitals.
The handing over ceremony will take place at Our Lady of Grace and Compassion Primary School-Mundika grounds and is expected to host thousands of communities who will also benefit from onsite free screening and VCT consultations.