Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has expressed optimism that the County Health Service Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the Community Health Service Bill, 2021, he recently ascended to, will improve healthcare services in the county.
Ojaamong who spoke at Akiriamas village in Teso South Sub County during the burial of Mzee Hernest Oile Ekutu noted that the two bills will hence forth play a pivotal role in dictating the quality of services members of the public receive in the county’s health facilities.
He said the County Health Service Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2021 will immensely reduce pressure the county health facilities have been facing in times of emergencies.
He said: “The Facility Improvement Fees is a welcome move to health institutions across the county, since funds will now be deposited in a special purpose account and the health facilities will be able to access the funds at any given time.
“Health facilities will be able to procure emergency drugs to avoid cases where the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) delays to supply drugs,” he said.
He disclosed to the mourners that the county has not received drugs from KEMSA for the last six months because it is overwhelmed by virtue of it being a sole supplier, adding that sometimes the agency even fails to supply certain type of drugs the county needs in its health facilities.
Ojaamong said the Community Health Service Bill, 2021 has now given Community Health Volunteers legal backing, noting that they will henceforth be empowered and facilitated to provide primary healthcare services to county residents in rural areas.
Under the Act the community volunteers will provide services such as health education, health promotion, disease prevention, mental-health services, home care, long-term care, rehabilitation services, palliative-care services and treatment for illnesses and injury in relation to primary care.
Anglican Church of Kenya Katakwa Diocese Bishop John Okude who presided over the burial mass prayed for peace in the country and urged Kenyans to shun divisive politics that might throw the country into turmoil.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
