Kisumu County government has said it will spend a bulk of its Sh2.3 billion health budget in the construction, upgrading and equipping hospitals.
Another large sum of 2014-15 health allocation will be used in the purchase of drugs and in the fight against preventable diseases like Malaria.
Governor Jack Ranguma said Sh218 million will be used to build and equip dispensaries across the eight sub-counties in tandem with World Health Organization standards. WHO requires that a health centre be available within every five kilometres from every homestead.
Another Sh300 million will be used to stock drugs in all public health facilities. Undisclosed amount will be used in the fight against Malaria, whose prevalence is highest in counties in Nyanza region.
Ranguma said preventable diseases were taking a toll on the economy of the county by weakening its workforce. He said they would embrace community-based approaches “to ensure awareness and healthcare trickles down to household”.
The governor spoke during the launch of an anti-malarial campaign steered by Ecobank held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOORTH) on Saturday.
JOORTH medical superintendent Dr Dan Raburu said the tropical disease which accounts for five percent of all admissions into the hospital was a menace in the lake region. He asked the government to install public health units in facilities.
“Malaria is one of the biggest health challenges in this region with the highest national prevalence and transmission. With requisite awareness centres in hospitals, the menace can be contained,” he said.
In April the governor, who is also the chairman of Council of Governors’ health committee, said his administration plans would put up maternity hospitals besides upgrading the existing sub-county health facilities to address health challenges. He also pledged to hire more medical staff.
On Saturday, he reaffirmed to make good his pledge to enforce health strategies centered around seven pillars which include strengthening health systems, case management and early diagnosis for infants and pregnant mothers and use of residual sprays and mosquito nets.
“To this effect we are seeking partnerships with private entities and non-governmental organisations in the county to up the fight against preventable diseases,” he said.