Health Principal Secretary (PS), Susan Mochache, has assured of closer collaboration between the National and County governments in order to improve and sustain quality health services for Kenyans.
Mochache made the remark, when she toured Trans Nzoia County Teaching and Referral Hospital, which has been under construction for almost eight years. Construction of the Sh.1.5 billion facility is now almost complete.
The PS was accompanied by the Trans Nzoia Governor, Patrick Khaemba and County Commissioner, Samson Ojwang, among other high ranking County officials.
Addressing the media after touring the facility, Mochache expressed satisfaction over the workmanship and level of completion at the level 6 hospital.
“I am delighted to report that residents of Trans Nzoia County and neighbouring counties of West Pokot, Bungoma and Turkana, will soon access quality and affordable health services courtesy of this Referral Hospital,” noted Mochache.
Responding to Governor Khaemba’s request, the PS assured of the National Government commitment towards closer collaboration with devolved units that are putting up hospitals of similar stature and magnitude.
According to the Governor, the County would require about Sh2 billion annually for procurement of medical supplies, besides remuneration of about 1,000 health workers, who would be employed.
Khaemba also tabled a formal request for official takeover of the facility by the National Government once completed, “For proper management and sustainability of this referral facility.”
The 400 bed capacity Referral Hospital boasts of 12 theatres, 40 Intensive Care Units (ICU), modern mortuary with a capacity of 64 bodies, two 500Kb standby generators, medical gases and 1 million litres of an underground water tank, among others facilities.
The PS hailed the county government, saying establishment of the referral hospital was in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta administration’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“With 40 ICUs and 400 beds, this hospital will make it possible for residents of Trans Nzoia County to access quality medical services, without having to travel to hospitals like Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) seeking for the same,” remarked Mochache.
She further noted that establishment of the hospital will greatly decongest MTRH and at the same time allow the Eldoret facility deal with what she termed as advanced medical services.
“Talks are ongoing between national and county governments that are putting up level 6 hospitals, whose objective is to ensure sustainability of the facilities,” revealed Mochache, adding that the limited number of specialized doctors in the country called for the collaborative effort.
She cited Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Kisii and Nyeri as some of the affected counties.
By Maurice Aluda
