First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, on Monday, November 6 spearheaded a momentous flagging-off event at State House.
The significant move aimed at bolstering healthcare accessibility in remote regions.
Notably, the event marked the dispatch of a fleet of mobile clinics, fridges, and transportation freezers bound for seven counties.
The counties to benefit from these provisions include Baringo, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot, Mandera, and Isiolo.
Furthermore, an elite team comprising eight nurses and drivers is set to undergo training, fostering knowledge-sharing and the ongoing enhancement of the health sector.
First Lady Lauds the Initiative
In addition, the First Lady lauded this initiative as a testament to Kenya’s commitment to its Healthcare Pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
She commended the generous contribution from the German Government through the KFW Development Bank and the Aga Khan University Hospital.
Notably, during the handover ceremony, Rashid Khalani, CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital, emphasized the transformative impact of recent legislation supporting universal health coverage.
“The recent enactment of laws to support universal health coverage is poised to change the way Kenyans access healthcare services by ensuring that the care they need is availed to them timely and nearer to where they live,” he stated.
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Also, Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha underscored her ministry’s commitment to delivering universal healthcare to all Kenyans.
“As a ministry, we are in line to deliver universal health to Kenyans. We have moved away from only focusing on curative services and have gone back to promoting healthcare, preventing diseases, and rehabilitating those around us,” she stated
In addition, the health CS emphasized the pivotal role of primary healthcare in the innovative approach, particularly in the beneficiary counties.
Country Director Oskar von Maltzan, of KfW Development Bank, highlighted the revolutionary potential of mobile clinics.
“The mobile clinics will significantly increase the reach and accessibility of healthcare services, bringing them closer to the doorstep of Kenyans,” he noted.
Furthermore, he affirmed that the clinics shall facilitate regular health screening that will help identify diseases for early intervention, hence improving the quality of life in the country.
5-kilometer Distance to Access Health Facilities
On the other hand, Muthomi Njuki, the Governor of Tharaka Nithi County, referred to the Geneva Convention’s recommendation of a maximum 5-kilometer distance to access health facilities.
“The Geneva Convention puts the idea of distance to access health facilities at a maximum of 5 kilometers,” he said
Notably, the chair of the Health Committee at the Council of Governors recognized the vastness of the beneficiary counties.
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However, he acknowledged the challenge of ensuring medical facilities are within a 5-kilometer radius for all residents.
The mobile clinics are envisioned to bridge this gap by taking essential healthcare services closer to the people and play a pivotal role in scaling up universal health coverage.
Furthermore, this flagging-off event by the first lady represents a significant step towards transforming the healthcare landscape, making quality healthcare services more accessible to all Kenyans, particularly in remote regions.
