Taskforce report a roadmap to universal healthcare coverage – DG Dr Erick Korir

The County Government of Nakuru is committed to implementing a health taskforce report in full towards achieving the universal healthcare coverage goal. 

 

In September last year, Governor Lee Kinyanjui formed a Nakuru County Health Taskforce to look into the ailing health sector as well as identify and recommend new opportunities for investments.

 

The task force led by former Egerton University VC Prof James Tuitoek revealed a sorry state of the County health system that bordered gross violation of healthcare to residents. 

 

Poor infrastructure, lack of drugs, few and demoralized health workers among others were some of the issues highlighted as ailing the sector.

 

Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr Erick Korir noted that the County will use the report as a blueprint in revamping the health sector.

 

Last week, the County opened an oncology center at the Nakuru Referral Hospital that will offer comprehensive care to cancer patients at an affordable fee. 

 

The County will soon open a one-stop ultramodern maternity wing at the Nakuru Referral Hospital as a means of reducing congestion at the existing maternity wing

 

According to Medical Superintendent Dr. Joseph Mburu, the current maternity wing is overstretched beyond its capacity something which has forced pregnant mothers to share beds.

 

The hospital’s maternity wing has a 500-bed capacity but currently is being forced to attend to and admit well over 700 pregnant women.

 

“The County is equipping and staffing dispensaries and health centers to ensure that health cases are managed at the lowest levels,” said Dr Korir.

 

He was speaking during the funeral service of Ms Grace Wanjiku, sister to the Nakuru County’s Director Liasion Mr Grishon Githiomi.

 

Ms Wanjiku succumbed to death on May 2nd after battling liver disease from 2014.

 

Also in attendance was the Public Service, Training, and Devolution CECM Mr Mwangangi Mwania, Director of Political Affairs Ms Beatrice Nyawira, Nakuru Roads Director Eng James Ochieng, Chief of Staff Mr Gichuhi Njoroge, among other county officials.