County launches Sh60bn plan to boost healthcare

The Nyeri County government has launched a Sh60 billion plan to improve healthcare in Nyeri.

The five-year plan aims at reducing the spread of diseases and alleviating the shortage of skilled and experienced health workers.

Speaking during the launch, County Health Executive Charles Githinji said the plan will help improve infrastructure in hospitals and dispensaries.

Dr Githinji said some of the key planks of the plan involve supplying adequate medicine to the eight sub counties in Nyeri.

“Currently, the county is experiencing a transition from communicable and non-communicable diseases to other challenges, which we would like to address in five years,’’ he said.

He decried the lack of referral facilities in some sub counties.

Tetu, Mathira West, Kieni East and Kieni West are the worst hit.

“Most of our hospitals and dispensaries are old, dilapidated and lack adequate space for expansion,” he added.

Dr Githinji said the county will roll out a county health awareness week each year for residents to access information on diseases prevalent in the region.

Dr Githinji said 251 community health units will be built in the county. “We pledge to also ensure that there is constant and adequate supply of medicine in all public hospitals and dispensaries.” He said.

Also in attendance was Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai.