The Department of Health and Medical Services in Nakuru County has questioned the architectural specifications of some health facilities built by Constituency Development Committees in the county saying such facilities are not fit to offer medical services to patients.
The revelations follow criticisms by a section of political leaders in the region on the government for neglecting facilities built by CDF committees.
Chief Officer for Health, Sanitation and Medical Services Samuel Mwaura speaking to the media on Tuesday in Nakuru instead blamed the committees, insisting they have been designing and building dispensaries without consulting the department of Health for needs specifications for the facilities, a move that has led to the slow adoption of medical facilities by the county government.
‘There are more than 10 health facilities in the region which does not meet the required health specifications for standard medical facilities. Most of these facilities lack adequate ventilation and drainage systems, which pose a huge threat to people. This has been largely due to the CDF committees mandated to spearhead the projects who have failed to involve the county’s Health department in the projects,’ Mwaura said.
He urged the CDF committees to engage relevant experts in the construction of health facilities for easier adoption by the regional government in a bid to offer quality services to citizens.
Among the leaders who have criticised the government concerning the same is Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri, who accused the county government of failing to equip Ndimu Ndege Dispensary in his constituency with drugs and medical staff, a year after Bahati CDF committee completed the construction of the facility.
Mwaura also affirmed the county’s commitment in improving people's health standards, lauding the effort of the Beyond Zero mobile clinic initiated by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta in its deliberate and sustained public outreach programmes on child and maternal Health.
‘The county is also committed in ensuring the health sector serves its usefulness to achieve the goals of devolution. Through the Beyond Zero campaign, we have also seen partnerships with of the private sector in providing quality healthcare to mothers and children in undeserved areas of the county,’ . Mwaura added.