The establishment of 18 newly built modern health dispensaries across 12 Sub Counties of Migori is a true definition of how counties can directly contribute to the health sector in the country.
The contribution of infrastructure, equipment and personnel in the health sector continues to be a crucial aspect that should be directly proportionate to our population for equitable distribution of health services to the citizens. The increase in population which is currently projected to be around 52 million by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2024) is forcing the health sector to expand to accommodate the surging population.
The existence of the 18 new modern dispensaries in Migori will help solve the shortage of healthcare facilities in the county as well as contribute to the health sector for a healthier population for the country. According to Governor Ochilo Ayacko, the establishment of these health facilities will not only enhance the healthcare infrastructure but also empower communities by ensuring that high-quality medical care is readily available.
Some of the newly opened health facilities include the Koyaro Dispensary in Rongo, the Alara Nyambija Dispensary in Awendo, Nyamware Dispensary in Suna East among others and have reflected the county vision anchored on ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for every resident of the county.
Ochilo says that the provision of primary healthcare services closer to the people will improve health outcomes, promote the overall well-being and quality of life in the county, and create job employment in the sector.
With the devolution of the health sector in the country, the county governments have been allowed to lay out infrastructures, human personnel and hospital equipment to facilitate cheaper and accessible healthcare services at the ward level.
Some of the equipped facilities at Koyar and Alara Nyambija Dispensary in Rongo and Awendo Sub Counties. The establishment of the new health facilities by the county government of Migori will serve the vital purpose of educating the residents on preventive healthcare mechanisms to boost the health welfare of the local communities. Photos by Geoffrey Makokha.
However, the national government, through the Ministry of Health has been supporting the devolved units in equipping their health facilities, through the proposed establishment of the Facility Improvement Fund Act 2023 and, the introduction of the Kenya Health Human Resources Advisory Council and the standardisation of the training of Community Health Promoters (CHP).
Facility Improvement Fund, for example, will address the untimely delivery of drugs at the county level, a major problem that the Council of Governors (CoG) have severally blamed on the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA). The Funds aim to also ensure hospitals at the county level have sufficient drugs and are adequately equipped.
According to Ochilo, providing health services nearer to residents is one of his administration manifestos that not only ensures that no one is subjected to the pain of incurring transportation costs in seeking health care services but also underscores the relentless pursuit of a healthier environment for the county residents.
The construction of the new health facilities is also aimed at decongesting the Migori County Referral Hospital (MCRH) and other level two and three hospitals within the county. The establishment of the new health facilities will also serve the vital purpose of educating the residents on preventive healthcare mechanisms to boost the health welfare of the local communities.
However, the issue of human power in the newly created health facilities has created jitters in the county health sector. But Ochilo, says the incorporation of Community Health Workers and Promoters (CHPs) will hugely benefit the newly established health facilities by complementing the human capital as well as ensuring the community access better and quality health services.
The CHP was an initiative between the county and national governments to provide, prevent and promote health and health education delivery services at the community level. Currently, Migori has deployed 2,900 CHP across the 40 wards to help the county residents with health hygiene matters and preventive care education for lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and HIV-Aids.
The newly created dispensaries will also boost job employment and practical skills for students from the current four existing Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC) in the county. Migori has also been improving its Level Four County Referral Hospital to cater for the specialized healthcare needs of its residents.
After meeting the approval and expectations of the donors and the national government, the county was given the green light early this year to commission a 200 million Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)/Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Molecular Diagnostic machine to help the Migori County Referral Hospital to perform faster and more accurate medical tests.