Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has cautioned medical officers in the region against chronic absenteeism from work, especially in the far flung areas of the county.
Speaking at Runyenjes Level 4 hospital after kicking off a needs assessment tour to all the Level 4 hospitals in the county, Mbarire said any health worker found absconding duty will face serious disciplinary measures.
The governor called on all Embu residents to notify her administration on any cases of absenteeism from work by medical personnel saying the malpractice has been rife across the county due to lack of supervision.
She said she will be conducting a needs assessment tour in all the local Level 4 hospitals to turn around the operations of the medical facilities.
This touring mission, the governor added has been necessitated by the need to identify the challenges being faced by the county Level 4 hospitals in order to establish, what needs to be done both for short and long terms planning by the current administration.
“We have come here today with the Deputy Governor and the entire medical fraternity because we are keen to turn around the operations of all the level 4 and 5 hospitals. Also, we want to know how the hospitals are operating,” said Mbarire.
At the Runyenjes Level 4 hospital, the Governor noted that upon the supply of drugs and non-pharmaceuticals by KEMSA, patients were now able to get medication.
“People have started coming back to our public hospitals for treatment since the supply of drugs was done and the hospitals are now getting revived,” she said.
The Governor also noted that the medical systems of the hospital are outdated and needs updating, saying that her administration will soon propose a supplementary budget to address the gaps.
She also promised to re-service mega hospital machines that have stalled for a long time to ensure enhanced service delivery and smooth running of the hospitals.
At the same time, Mbarire promised to equip medical laboratories in the area so that patients could enjoy quality services.
By Justus Anzaya
