The residents of Amukura East ward can breathe a sigh of relief following the commissioning of a new Aturet dispensary, a health facility which will ensure over 6,000 residents have access to the primary health care services within their vicinity.
The commissioning of the dispensary has been applauded by the residents terming it a game changer in their thirst for better medical services in line with government directive of accessible primary healthcare services to all.
Speaking during the official opening, Busia County Deputy Governor Mr. Arthur Odera, emphasized the importance of strengthening the healthcare system at the grassroots level, adding that the launch of the facility marked a significant step in addressing the area’s healthcare needs.
“In Kenya, dispensaries are crucial first points of contact for healthcare in rural areas, offering basic primary care and preventive services. Thus, this facility will provide essential services like immunization, family planning, and treatment of common ailments,” said Odera.
The DG who doubles up as the County CECM in charge of the Health Department stated that the county leadership remains steadfast in its efforts to expand health infrastructure and bring services closer to the people, assuring residents that more such facilities would be rolled out to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, especially in remote and underserved areas.
“We are committed to ensuring the provision of quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to all. A facility like this dispensary of Aturet plays a vital role in reaching communities with basic healthcare needs and serves as a referral point for more complex cases,” Odera affirmed.
Hence, the newly opened dispensary is expected to ease pressure on neighboring health facilities and improve local community access to primary healthcare.
Area MCA Leonard Emuret lauded the move highlighting the hustle the resident of Amukura East ward had to endure to access health services.
“For many years’ residents here had to pay pain to access primary healthcare services. You can imagine someone paying Sh200 to either Amukura or Alupe sub county hospitals only to go for a malaria test,” noted Emuret.
“This distance has deprived many residents of the opportunity to access health services, pushing them to just buy painkillers from pharmacy shops,” the legislator added.
Lastly, the Busia health department has been actively working to improve residents’ access to improved services over the past two weeks.
By Absalom Namwalo
