Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has launched a healthcare programme meant for the old people above 70 years dubbed ‘Mwangaza Care.
Speaking during the launch held at Kinoru Stadium, Governor Mwangaza said the first phase will cover 300 people drawn from the 45 wards in the county at a cost of Sh1.8 million.
“Owing to the limited funds at the moment, we will start with the 300 people who will also have their relatives benefit from the same cover and the number will keep on increasing every financial year,” said Governor Mwangaza.
She added that her government was targeting to increase the money for the cover to Sh.10 million in the subsequent years.
“We are foreseeing a future where all the people in the county will have free medical cover and this is possible with prudent use of the available resources,” said Governor Mwangaza.
She added: “today’s initiative will go a long way in helping the old people especially those without able people to depend on as they will be in a position to visit any level four or five hospital in the county and get treatment for free.”
To ensure that the aged people receive priority in terms of treatment at the health facilities, Governor Mwangaza said special waiting zones have been set in various health care facilities meant to specifically handle them.
“Some of them have no energy to queue for the service and therefore we have set the zones so they can be served first,” she said.
To empower the youth, the governor launched 18 tents each with 100 chairs, concrete mixing machines, car wash machines, recording studio equipment, and motorcycles worth about Sh.15 million which will be issued to various youth groups.
She said the equipment will go a long way in empowering the young people and making them self-reliant in future.
“Majority of our young people are idle out there and this makes them indulge in drug abuse. The empowerment initiative will keep them engaged and moreover help them to earn a living,” said Governor Mwangaza.
By Dickson Mwiti and Winjoy Makena
