County invests Sh995m in health

Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed addressing the media in the past. His government has decided to train 500 new teachers following refusal by non-locals to resume work owing to insecurity in northeastern Kenya. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • According to Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, the new ambulances were acquired at a cost of Sh8.37 million each and are fitted with communication systems.
  • The county government has also constructed 31 maternity wings at different dispensaries at a cost of Sh3 million each.
  • The clinic donated by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has also started operating in the region.

The county government has pumped Sh995 million into the health sector as it seeks to reduce maternal deaths in Wajir, which are some of the highest in the country.

The county has acquired eight ambulances and eight others have also been repaired.

According to Governor Ahmed Abdullahi the new ambulances were acquired at a cost of Sh8.37 million each and are fitted with communication systems.

“We have re-opened nine dispensaries that were closed due to lack of staff and shortage of drugs. Twelve others have been constructed and stocked with drugs,” said Mr Abdullahi Wednesday.

He was speaking when he paid an impromptu visit to Wajir General Hospital.

The county government has also constructed 31 maternity wings at different dispensaries at a cost of Sh3 million each.

GO TO THE HOSPITAL
At least one maternity wing has been constructed in each of the 30 wards. The wings are all equipped with solar power systems.

Health Executive Rukia Kahiye said the ambulances have been transporting pregnant women to health facilities.

She added that the county is encouraging traditional birth attendants to take pregnant women to hospital.

“The more women traditional birth attendants refer pregnant women to hospitals, the more lives we save,” said Ms Kahiye.

“We hope to discourage pregnant women from delivering at home as well as create more awareness on the need for women to give birth at hospitals,” she added.

The governor and his executive committee member said the county took over the health department at a time when it was in a “devastating condition.”

FIRST LADY'S DONATION
Before the introduction of devolved units, several dispensaries in Wajir were closed and some units like the paediatric department of Wajir General Hospital were not operating.

The clinic donated by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has also started operating in the region.

It is part of her Beyond Zero campaign to reduce maternal death.

The mobile clinic, which has four health workers, has been in Wajir South sub-county for the last two weeks.

Along Majesa-Boji yarey route, the mobile clinic health team served 50 patients, mainly livestock headers and other residents who cannot easily access health facilities.