Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa commended Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for his leadership in advancing the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital (WKTRH) into a model institution for quality healthcare. During her familiarization tour of the WKTRH on Sunday, August 18, 2024, Dr. Barasa expressed her admiration for the hospital’s progress and reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to supporting further advancements.
“I am proud of the successful story I have witnessed today during my visit to the WKTRH. I am impressed with the Governor’s focused resolve towards service delivery. Be assured of our support,” said Dr. Barasa.
During a briefing at the hospital boardroom, the CS pledged the National Government’s support in establishing an oncology center at Mount Elgon Hospital in Kitale Town. She also praised the WKTRH leadership for fostering positive staff relations and committed to ensuring the deployment of more UHC staff to enhance round-the-clock patient care.
The CS toured several facilities, including the maternity wing, amenity wards, oxygen plant, laundry, medical stores, cold room, kitchen, CT scan unit, and general wards. She commended intern doctors for their tireless efforts in delivering standardized, quality healthcare across the nation.
Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with county governments, particularly in the area of Primary Healthcare (PHC), to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member of Health Samson Ojwang echoed the CS’s sentiments, acknowledging the fruitful partnership with the National Government. He expressed optimism that with continued support, the county could make significant strides in providing better healthcare services. Ojwang also called for timely delivery of pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals from the National Government.
Defending the transfer of some services from Kitale County Hospital (KCH) to WKTRH, Ojwang reassured the public that essential services, such as outpatient, emergency care, eye clinics, and the regional laboratory center, were still operational at KCH. He further highlighted plans to collaborate with the local Kenya Medical Training College to address the shortage of healthcare workers by training more nurses.
Health Chief Officer Dr. Judith Simiyu reiterated that addressing the current shortage of 900 nurses is critical to maintaining high standards of healthcare in the county.
Also present at the event were WKTRH Medical Superintendent Dr. Anthony Wamalwa, Primary Health Care Coordinator Dr. Zaituni Akajaroit Mulaa, Chief of Staff Dickson Wamocho, WKTRH Administrator Rispa Konzollo, and Hillary Alugongo.
