The Narok County Government intends to increase the health budget of the county from the current 20 percent of the annual county budget to 30 per cent, Governor Samuel Tunai has said.
Speaking at Narok Referral Hospital on Friday, where he flagged off distribution of drugs worth Sh.20million procured from Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), to various public health facilities in the county, Tunai said this initiative was in line with the Intergovernmental agreement between the national and county governments.
“This is in line with government big Agenda Four for health where the two government are working together to achieve Universal Healthcare for all citizens,” he said.
The governor also announced that plans were underway to equip and improve facilities at Transmara Hospital in Kilgoris which serves two sub-counties in the area in order to improve provision of healthcare to residents.
The number of ambulances in the area will also be increased to help handle emergency cases in deeper parts of the county.
At the same time, the governor reiterated his earlier stance to health official to be committed and take full responsibility of the healthcare in the county. “Health is a very critical issue and must be handled in a specific way,” he said.
The county administration will ensure residents access quality healthcare through provision of drugs in all health facilities as well as recruitment of adequate health workers, added the governor.
In the current budget, the county government allocated Sh.221 million for construction of health centres and an additional Sh.200million for leasing of medical equipment. Sh.149 million was allocated for drugs while Sh.94.5 million was given for ambulance services in the county.
By Mabel Keya-Shikuku
