Health infrastructure and services are in Vihiga County set to improve following the signing into to law of two crucial Bills.
Area governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo assented to the two Bills Thursday , Vihiga County Health Facilities Improvement Fund Bill 2019 and The Vihiga County
Health Services Bill 2019, which were ratified by the County Assembly.
Vihiga County Assembly Speaker Hasna Mudeizi accompanied by several Members of County Assembly (MCAs) presented and witnessed the signing to law of the two Bills.
Addressing press after the enactment, Ottichilo hailed the County Assembly for fast tracking the Bills, saying the two had provided his administration with the legal framework to enable streamlining of the county’s health system to international standards.
“The two laws will enable my administration manage the health sector through a proper legal framework. The truth is we have been running the health system in a rather haphazard manner,” Ottichilo observed.
The Health Facilities Improvement Fund Act gives the county administration express authority to source for development funds, both internal and externally, with the main objective of improving infrastructure system in all health facilities in the county.
At the same time, the Health Services Act, will ensure the delivery of quality health services by all the health facilities.
“The signing into law of the two Bills comes at an opportune time when our country as well as the entire globe is focused on improvement of healthcare system as occasioned by the novel Covid-19 pandemic which continues to claim human population,” noted the governor.
Dr. Ottichilo used the opportunity to appeal for development aid from local and international donors, while assuring them of prudent management of their contribution.
The governor urged the County Assembly leadership to also fast track passing of the Disaster Management Bill 2019, which reliable sources confirmed was ready for deliberation by the ward representatives
“Once ratified and enacted, The Disaster Management Bill 2019 would enable the county government mitigate catastrophes caused by natural phenomena such the current and the Covid-19 Pandemic and floods that continue to wreak havoc not only in Vihiga but several parts of the country,” he said.
The county assembly Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment toward working closely with the executive in order to improve service delivery to the residents.
Mudeizi said the two Acts will ensure the locals enjoyed accessible, affordable and high quality health services.
“The County Assembly’s desire is to see our people access affordable and quality health services as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO),” she pointed out.
By Maurice Aluda
