Migori County has received assorted health equipment worth 7.3 Million from Equity Bank to hospitals across the county.
The distribution was fronted by Mama Agnes Ochilo Foundation in partnership with the equity bank foundation.
Speaking during the event held at Awendo Sub County Hospital, Migori’s first lady Dr Agnes Ochilo said that the move is to boost County’s efforts to deliver its health mandate.
“The county government cannot achieve 100% in terms of health deliberations and as a foundation in partnership with Equity Bank Foundation, we have partnered to fill the remaining gap,” she said.
Dr Agnes appreciated the response by the Equity Bank Foundations to give back to the community.
She said such integral support will ensure that the health providers are also protected from any health risks.
The PPEs include surgical masks, goggles, surgical gowns, and disposable scrubs among other equipment.
Dr Agnes added that the equipment once received in the health facilities, will also reduce the double charging on patients.
She pointed out that expectant mothers are mostly sent to buy gloves before getting into delivery wards, hence incurring double charges.
Deprived health conditions
The First Lady lamented on poor health status and service delivery in most hospitals, due to lack of adequate funds, as the national treasury is yet to disburse funds to the counties.
George Onyinno, Equity Bank’s regional manager, said that they are ready for a positive partnership with the county government of Migori.
“This is not just a one-day activity and we expect to continue working closely with the first lady’s Foundation and the county government in identifying other development programs that will require our support,” he added.
He outlined that the donations of such personal protective equipment will provide a solution to the various challenges facing the sub-county hospitals in the county.
Drug theft
Migori county health CEC Mr Julius Nyerere while receiving the donations, assured that the department is committed to ensuring that the equipment are well utilized to meet the intended goals
He, however, condemned the unbecoming act of pilfering drugs from sub-county health facilities.
Mr Nyerere sounded a warning that his hawk-eyed intelligence team will be working day to fish out such people for the progress of the county’s health department.
“My team will be around in various health facilities to ensure that the equipment are all and well received. We are also working to ensure that whatever has been brought to us is utilized well,” said Nyerere.
His warning speech comes amid allegations from the public that the health facilities have limited drugs.
The public also laments that they are directed to private chemists to fetch drugs which are more costly compared to the public health facilities.
The CEC challenged the members of the public to be whistle-blowers to help the health departments bring such persons to book.
This will ensure that appropriate legal actions are taken against those who will be culpable.
He encouraged the locals to take medical insurance coverage that will help them get affordable health services at accredited health facilities.