After waiting for more than 50 years when the idea for constructing a health facility was mooted, residents of Koromaiti village, Chekalini ward in Lugari Sub County have a reason to smile following the opening of a dispensary by the Kakamega county government.
Addressing area residents after officially commissioning the Koromaiti dispensary, Kakamega County Executive for Health, Mrs. Penina Mukabane expressed her disappointment over derailment in completion of the health facility whose construction began way back in 1964.
The county executive for health attributed corruption and political interference for the derailment in completion of most government initiated development projects.
“I am appealing to political leaders to stop behaving as stumbling blocks, but instead to support projects geared towards improving livelihoods, health and living standards of locals,” advised Mukabane.
Mukabane assured area residents besides qualified medical staff, the county government will also provide the dispensary with all the necessary drugs and equipment.
“I want to assure Koromaiti residents the dispensary will offer health services free of charge,” revealed the county health boss who noted pregnant mothers and children will be the chief beneficiaries.
The CEC reiterated the county government’s objective of moving health services closer to the locals, pointing out the county government had so far completed and commissioned over 20 new dispensaries across the county within the last three years.
“Some of dispensaries were actually started by former MPs through CDF and local governments through LATF before inception of devolution,” noted Mukabane.
She lauded Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, saying it was under his able stewardship that Kakamega has been rated among the top counties in management of the health sector.
“Besides expanding dispensaries, the county government is ever allocation enough funds towards the improving the statuses of our level four and five hospitals in terms of equipment, drugs and staffing,” added the minister.
Mukabane revealed the county government had already released Ksh. 40 million towards expansion of Lumakanda and Mlimani hospitals in Lugari Sub County with each receiving Ksh. 20M.
“The county government has already supplied the two hospitals with adequate drugs and equipment,” she further revealed, adding her ministry had so far employed about 700 health workers since 2013.
Mukabane used the occasion to assure county residents of improved and better health services immediately after construction and commissioning of thef Sh.6.1 Kakamega County Referral Hospital.
The official was accompanied by the county disease surveillance officer Mr. Richard Nyamai, their hosts, Lugari Sub County Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mike Ekisa and Chekalini Member of County Assembly, Mr. Titus Kwoma.
Kwoma promised to expand the facility and ensure it is upgraded into a health center.
Interviewed residents shared their joy following the opening of the Koromaiti dispensary with most of them saying the initiative will save them from the long distances they have been experiencing when looking for health services