Speaking at the Kigumo Sub-County hospital in Murangâa County during the laying of a foundation stone for new facilities, the health CS said the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic has presented new dynamics that demand well-functioning health systems.
âThe ongoing expansion of hospitals and healthcare centres across the country is geared towards driving equitable and quality healthcare by enabling them to improve on the healthcare they deliver,â observed the CS.
Kagwe said it was gratifying to witness the expansion of hospitals across the country saying improving access to healthcare contributes to better health outcomes and increases the productivity of the people leading to economic growth. He said the Universal Health Coverage under the Presidentâs Big 4 agenda will go a long way in ensuring that citizens, regardless of their social status, can access quality healthcare services.
âOur president, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta has always attached great importance to the development of public health in Kenya which is why he personally promised to ensure that this hospital has been expanded.â Observed the health CS.
He lauded Murangâa County government for its innovative concept that involves the deployment of motorcycles to collect TB samples for onward transmission to the main laboratory located in Murangâa Level-5 Hospital saying it has eased the burden for those seeking Such services.
âWe are determined as a national Government to support efforts geared towards the improvement of health care services in the Counties. Its indeed just this concern that has seen Nairobi County get over twenty-five new facilities thereby easing pressure on the referral hospitals of Kenyatta and others besides bringing services closer to the peopleâ. Kagwe said.
This even as he challenged those managing health facilities to consider integrating tele-health technologies in their operations to ensure more people access quality healthcare.
âWhereas expansion of physical facilities is important, its equally good to embrace telehealth technologies to ensure that even from the comfort of home, patients are able to access health services. For those with chronic diseases, we can use the same technology for follow ups.â Said the CS.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.