Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy has assented to two healthcare bills aimed at delivering Universal Healthcare services to Lamu residents.
The two Bills namely; The Lamu County Facility Improvement Financing Act and the Lamu County Health Services and Community Health Act 2023, are expected to complement the Afya Mashinani initiative, also dubbed Timamy Care.
Speaking to KNA at the signing ceremony at the Lamu County Headquarters, Issa Timamy stated that the two laws will aid in the retention of revenue for health facilities in the county.
“Generated revenue from NHIF and cash collections from our health facilities will be utilised to replenish supplies such as medicine and hospital commodities, while also ensuring that there are firm structures in place to ensure the sustainability of our health facilities right from the community level,” Timamy said.
He further added that the county government, through its Afya Mashinani Initiative, had successfully registered at least 20,000 households that will benefit from the UHC programme.
“It is our aim as Lamu County to ensure that healthcare coverage reaches all its residents regardless of where they may be,” CEC in charge of Health Services Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj said.
He further stated that the two Bills align with the government’s agenda of ensuring equitable healthcare services reach even the most remote regions.
“By addressing healthcare disparities and empowering communities through education and outreach, the firm continues to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Kenya,” he stated.
Sentiments were echoed by Lamu County Assembly Majority Leader Bwana Bwana, who stated that the county assembly will seek to support county initiatives, including funding for efficient healthcare service delivery across the county.
The Lamu County Government has committed at least Sh150 million towards healthcare development in the 2023–2024 financial year.
By Amenya Ochieng
