The county ministry of health plans to decentralize fuel provision process and better management of maintenance of operational fleet within the statutory provisions of law within and outside the county.
This emerged during a strategy meeting between the CEC for Health Jane Ajele, chief officer Capt (Rtd) Augustine Lokwang’ and Sub County Medical of health officers and Hospital Superintendents to deliberate on the challenges facing health service delivery at that level and chart way forward to realize the department’s full potential.
The meeting also aimed at formally introducing the new Chief Officer Capt (Rtd) Augustine Lokwang’ to the sub county team and was attended by the department’s directors.
Lokwang was recently transferred to the ministry from the ministry of roads.
Lokwang’ said he was aware of the challenges facing the Sub County teams ranging from accessing fuels from Lodwar, referrals, servicing operational vehicles among others.
Chief Lokwang’ said, ‘I promise to work on a plan that would facilitate sustainable use of ambulances and utility vehicles coordinated by a 24/7hour Central Command Center in line with Turkana County Emergency Medical Care Clan Plan.’
Speaking at the meeting, CEC Jane Ajele said that Sub County Hospitals were a County flagship project to promote access to quality healthcare hence the need for regular management meetings to review their performance and put them on the path of progress.
CEC Ajele reiterated that the said Hospitals were not only meant to improve service access but also to reduce pressure on Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) by handling cases at the Sub County level.
While making specific reference to Kaikor, Lokichar and Lokori, the County Health boss added that the said Hospitals will progressively benefit from upgrade so as to give them capacity to offer specialised services including surgical and theatre services.
CEC Ajele also called on Medical superintendents to forge teamwork and partnership with their respective MoHs with whom they work with on a daily basis at the Sub County.
On his part, Chief Officer Lokwang’ impressed upon the senior officers to provide leadership and management to assigned personnel and assets to ensure efficient service delivery to the residents is achieved.
The meeting also deliberated on optimal staffing, rational use of human resource for Health, provision of incinerators for proper disposal of medical waste and strengthening of rural facilities.
by Peter Gitonga
