With the health sector being one of the ministries that was devolved, some Counties have had their fair share of challenges with some stakeholders even proposing that the ministry should be reinstated back to the national government’s control, an issue that has also been opposed by many.
Dr. Andrew Mulwa the Makueni Health CEC and also the chairman of all the CECs countrywide says many Counties have made major breakthroughs in the health sector beginning with his own County under the universal healthcare service.
He was speaking at Bumula Sub County hospital after leading a delegation of medical practitioners from Makueni County in the County for a benchmarking mission where they also visited Kimilili Sub County hospital and Lunakwe dispensary.
He said residents from several Counties may have varied reactions over the same but many will agree that improvements have been perceived and the residents would support more funding for the Ministry.
However, he cited the issue of remuneration is a stubborn case, after nurses and doctors went on strike and paralyzed service delivery saying with a sober approach on the deliberations they will eventually have a total, uninterrupted delivery.
Regarding selected poor services at some facilities, he said the issues must be dealt with exclusively saying the relevant officers in charge have acted to ensure such incidences are not witnessed again in the future.
His sentiments were echoed by Bungoma County health CEC Dr. Anthony Walela who said after previously visiting Makueni County for benchmarking they are working on improving several areas that had previously been overlooked.
He added that the county is focusing on equipping the several health facilities across and urged the residents to use them frequently especially for expectant mothers.
Bungoma County nurse Getrude Wanyonyi says such exchange programs have really helped improve the health sector across saying as a County, they have drawn lessons on the successes of other Counties and how they are to implement the same.
The exchange program was facilitated by Ipas, a nonprofit nongovernmental organization that that works around the world to increase women ability to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights especially the right to comprehensive contraceptives services and abortion care.