Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok has opposed calls by a section of health workers in the country to take back management of health care to the National Government.
Speaking at Longisa Sub County when he commissioned a Sh80 million Liquid Oxygen Tank, Barchok said health care is there to stay with the counties.
“Health care is here to stay with us in the counties, taking it back is like robbing Kenyans and we will not accept it,” he said.
Barchok said health care provision has improved and electorates at the grassroots are feeling the impact of health services under the management of the County government.
The Governor who was in the company of Health CEC Joseph Sitonik, Deputy Governor Shadrack Rotich, and a representative from Amref who helped in setting up the bulk Oxygen tank said the push by a section of healthcare workers was driven by selfish interest.
He said those pushing for the return of health management of the nation do not appreciate the challenges the counties are going through.
“Despite numerous challenges, counties have managed to manage health beyond expectation,” Barchok added.
He said whole counties have not been able to meet the demand for health workers, they have ensured that services are up and running with limited resources.
Barchok said despite the challenges, Bomet has recruited enough healthcare staff and was working round the clock to improve their welfare.
He said as governors they are also pushing for an increase in resources that will enable them to provide better services in all sectors.
“The resources we get are limited and we will not sleep until we feel that counties are getting enough because this is where a majority of Kenyans are and are expecting various services
The Governor said several clinics have been set up to ensure locals do not crisscross the country in search of treatment.
“When we took over, we had limited services but now we offer at Longisa almost all health care services,” he revealed.
He said the focus at the moment was on cancer treatment which is in demand due to increased cases within the South Rift.
By Lamech Willy. A.
