Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has commissioned Sh100 million surgical wards at the Busia County Referral Hospital
Speaking during the official launch of the facility, Otuoma said the 100-bed capacity storey building will be a relief to accident victims, patients with chronic wounds, assault cases and those suffering from intestinal obstructions among others.
“This surgical ward will help us move from the 200-bed capacity to 300-bed capacity,” he said, adding that it has helped solve 30% of the problems facing the facility.
He however took issue with the elevation of the health facilities without considering their capability to provide the required services, adding that it is an issue that should be reviewed.
“I get baffled by those who allow this kind of classification to continue. In my view, classification means you have fulfilled the requirements for you to be admitted at the level that you want. When you tell people that the facility is level five yet it is level four we are literally lying making people seek services that are not there,” he said.
The governor directed the County Human Resource Management Advisory Committee to be activated to ensure that it provides solutions to the problems facing the health sector.
Otuoma further disclosed that plans are underway to expand Busia County Referral Hospital to ensure a one-stop provider of services to the locals, adding that Busia Vocational Training Centre will be relocated to create space for the purpose.
The governor urged the local residents to register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund, adding that the insurance capitation at the facility was still low making it difficult for it to offer the required services.
At the same time, he assured Community Health Promoters that their outstanding dues will soon be paid.
Busia Acting County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto said that completion of the surgical ward was a milestone for the County Government on matters of health.
The Medical Superintendent at the facility Dr. Namadala Amukule said that the facility will help in decongesting the wards.
“At times we do admit up to 270 patients yet our bed capacity has been 200,” he said.
The facility was constructed by the National Government through the Department of Defense in collaboration with the County Government.
By Salome Alwanda
