Kakamega county in conjunction with Afya Halisi has launched a toll-free help line for health-related issues.
The number – 0800-720-573 – will provide a platform for patients to communicate with health service providers in real time including ambulance services.
Speaking during the launch at the County Referral Hospital Saturday, the county Health Services Executive Rachael Akumu regretted that the number of patients visiting the health facilities has drastically reduced since the first Covid-19 case was reported in the country.
Akumu said the residents were not visiting hospitals for medical attention for fear of contracting the dreaded disease.
The county executive for health, who informed the people that specific wards had been set aside for Covid-19 patients, disclosed that there has been a rise in maternal and neonatal deaths in the county due to failure to seek skilled health services.
“This helpline will now assist expectant mothers even during night curfew hours as they will be directly be linked to the nearest health facility and ambulance services in case of an emergency,” she said.
She added that the county administration is keen on reproductive health issues affecting the people, adding that they were also emphasizing family planning and immunization services as well as assisting victims of Gender Based Violence.
“The handsets will be stationed at County Referral Hospital, Ikolomani, Matungu, Likuyani sub county hospitals and the Kakamega County Ambulance Control tower,” she said.
Francis Kadiri, an Afya Halisi representative, said the USAID-funded organisation will continue partnering with the county to cover the needs of the residents in the heath sector.
By Sammy Mwibanda
