For a county whose data on health has been depressing, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has placed healthcare as top priority.
The previous condition has been characterised by high malaria prevalence and high maternal deaths alongside HIV prevalence rates.
County executive for health Dr Elizabeth Ogaja said HIV prevalence currently estimated at 17 per cent with malaria between 30-40 percent outpatient departments.
In a press statement, Ranguma says he is committed to reduce the grave reports on health. In 2014/15, he allocated Sh2.3 billion to health sector.
The Council of Governor’s Committee of Health chairman has made major transformations in the health sector.
Ranguma has ensured expansion of the existing health facilities, construction of new hospitals and provision of necessary equipment to boost health delivery in the county.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) now have a fully equipped Intensive Care Unit and theatre courtesy of the county administration. It is also equipped with five dialysis and several scan machines.
In September 2015, Ranguma commissioned a Sh32.6 million ICU at the facility, an initiative that has saved residents from traveling long distances to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret and Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi which have been the main public facilities offering the services.
“We have ensured that drugs are available in our hospitals and that no patient is turned away to go and buy them elsewhere,” said Ranguma.
Ranguma also purchased eight ambulances to enhance healthcare provisions. They are stationed at sub county hospitals to ferry patients to health facilities free of charge.
“The ambulance services are free and no patient should be charged because we are taking care of all the expenses,” explained Ranguma.
Previously, health sector in Kisumu have grappled with shortage of resources and personnel. This changed after Ranguma hired 450 health workers last year.
Those hired are public health officers, clinical officers, nurses, community health nurses, therapists and laboratory technologists. The expansion and equipping of all the sub-county hospitals in the region has reduced congestion at JOOTRH and County hospital.
In 2014, the county government upgraded Kombewa District Hospital maternity wing in Seme at Sh 17million for maternity services.
Others upgraded are Migosi, Masogo, Ahero, Pap Onditi, Katito, Nyang’oma, Nyamarimba, Muhoroni, Ombeyi, Chulaimbo, Nyahera and Ober Kamoth among others.
The county government has also been credited for sanity in the health sector despite challenges the sector is facing.
The county’s efforts have been complemented by the Beyond Zero initiative spearheaded by the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. The mobile clinic aims at reducing high maternal and infant mortality rates.