By Mwanaharusi Rashid.
Kwale County Government has announced the suspension of the construction of new health centers to channel resources towards improving the existing ones.
Governor Fatuma Achani, who made the announcement, said the move is aimed at elevating the standards of healthcare services across the county, ensuring that all residents have access to quality medical care.
The decision marks a turning point in the county’s approach to healthcare infrastructure.
Since the establishment of devolved governments in Kenya, Kwale County has made notable strides in expanding its healthcare network. The number of health centers in the county has grown from 35 to 165, a remarkable achievement in a relatively short period.
Additionally, the county government has employed 1,800 healthcare workers to staff these facilities, addressing a critical need for professional healthcare services in the region.
Governor Achani emphasized that her administration’s focus will now shift from expansion to consolidation. The priority will be to ensure that all existing facilities are well-equipped and fully operational. This includes stocking adequate medicines, providing essential laboratory equipment, and ensuring that each center is staffed with sufficient healthcare personnel.
According to the governor, the decision to prioritize the improvement of existing facilities over the construction of new ones is a strategic move aimed at maximizing the impact of available resources.
“All facilities need healthcare workers, medicines, and laboratory equipment. The money we receive in Kwale County is allocated to many areas of development including bursaries, building schools, and dispensaries. Therefore, I have decided to improve the existing health centers instead of building new ones,” Governor Achani stated.
This policy shift is expected to have far-reaching implications for the county’s healthcare system. By concentrating resources on upgrading current facilities, the county government hopes to enhance service delivery, reduce waiting times, and improve patient outcomes.
The move is also likely to address persistent challenges such as stockouts of essential medicines and a shortage of critical medical equipment, which have plagued many health centers in the region.
Since the implementation of devolution in Kenya, Kwale County has experienced significant changes in its healthcare sector. Devolution has allowed county governments to take control of their healthcare systems, enabling them to tailor services to the specific needs of their populations.
In Kwale, this has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of healthcare facilities, as well as a significant investment in human resources for health.
The expansion from 35 to 165 health centers is a testament to the county’s commitment to improving access to healthcare. However, the rapid increase in the number of facilities has also brought challenges. Many of the new health centers have struggled with inadequate staffing, insufficient medical supplies, and a lack of essential equipment.
These challenges have highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to healthcare development, one that ensures both expansion and quality.
Governor Achani’s decision to halt the construction of new facilities reflects an acknowledgment of these challenges. By focusing on the existing health centers, the county government aims to ensure that every facility is capable of providing high-quality care. This includes not only the availability of medicines and equipment but also the presence of well-trained and motivated healthcare workers.
The decision to improve existing health centers instead of building new ones is likely to resonate with the residents of Kwale County, who have long faced difficulties in accessing quality healthcare. With 165 health centers already in place, the focus on enhancing their capabilities is expected to lead to better health outcomes for the population.
