Taita-Taveta county government has set aside Sh101 million in the supplementary budget to boost against the war on covid-19 pandemic.
The County Executive Committee Member for Finance Mr. Andrew Kubo said the money included purchases of more medical supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), infrastructural improvement in health facilities and remuneration for health workers.
Speaking at Moi County Referral Hospital during the unveiling of two-fully equipped modern ambulances Wednesday, Mr. Kubo expressed optimism that the county assembly would assent to the budget to allow the implementation phase to start.0105 KNA
“We have set aside Sh101million to further bolster the efforts by the health sector to respond to covid-19 emergencies,” he said.
The allocation is expected to address some concerns by the medical staff who had earlier complained of severe shortages of PPE’s, lack of fully-equipped isolation centers and inadequate staffing.
In a letter to the health departments, the officials of several unions including nurses, doctors, laboratory technicians and public health workers had called for more money towards fighting covid-19.
The letter cited lack of PPE’s, low number of staff and lack of quarantine facility for medics working in the isolation centers.
Mr. John Mwakima, the County Executive Member for Health, said he was optimistic that the challenges faced by medics will be sufficiently addressed by the budgetary allocations alongside other county interventions.
Area governor Granton Samboja said his government was committed to improving the delivery of health services in the region stating that such projects should not be politicized.
He took a subtle dig at his predecessor whom he said had failed to establish proper foundations for a working healthcare system in the county.
“We are gradually improving the health facilities and we would be far ahead if the last government was committed to working for the people,” he said.
By Wagema Mwangi
County sets aside Sh 101 million covid-19 allocation
