Trans Nzoia County has launched a five-year Emergency Medical Care Plan which will ensure systems meant to effectively handle medical emergencies are put in place.
Governor George Natembeya, in a speech read on his behalf during the launch by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for health services, Sam Ojwang, expressed optimism, saying the plan will help provide a framework on how to tackle the ever-increasing emergencies and disasters in the region.
Revealing that the plan developed is in line with the Kenya Medical Care Policy 2020–2030 and the Kenya Emergency Medical Care Strategy 2020–2025, Natembeya said his government is committed to ensuring timely intervention in disasters with the motive of mitigating deaths which occur as a result of the disasters.
“The Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Health Act 2017 guarantee that every Kenyan has a right to emergency medical treatment regardless of whether they are able to afford it or not. It is for this important reason that we are setting this plan in place,” he said.
The Governor said that once implemented, the plan will empower Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Community Health Assistants (CHAs) on how to handle basic emergencies while initiating referrals to the nearest health facility.
“Under this plan, we are going to train our CHPs and CHAs in an effort to increase their capacity to handle emergencies at the grassroots before any referral is done. By so doing, we are sure we will go on to save many lives,” he said, adding that matatu and boda boda operators, who are critical players during emergencies, will be considered for training.
Explaining that effective and timely multidisciplinary response to disasters requires a well-coordinated network bringing together various players, the Governor revealed plans to set up a County Disaster Command Centre (CDCC).
The operations of the CDCC will comprise input from the Kenya police service, fire fighters, the Red Cross, first responders, and the county emergency medical services.
In preparation for the coordinated response, the county has established an 0800724994 toll-free number that the public can use to call for help in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, Governor Natembeya said plans are underway to equip the available ambulances so as to meet the required standards and even acquire more funds, allowing for better response services.
Out of the 89 health facilities in Trans Nzoia County, only 10 have ambulances at their disposal.
By Brenda Rotich
