Uhuru lauds Jubilees strides in health, graces opening of refurbished missionary hospital

President Uhuru Kenyatta has this Sunday stated that healthcare is a key deliverable for his government, adding that Jubilee is committed to ensuring quality and affordable medical care is accessible to Kenyans.

Speaking after overseeing the opening of the refurbished Jumuia Friends Hospital at the Kaimosi complex, Uhuru said faith based organisations have been key players in the county’s health sector.

The Head of State, who launched projects worth Ksh.2.5 billion projects during his tour of Vihiga County, said that missionary hospitals have provided medical care for up to 40 per cent of the population.

“In Kenya, faith-based hospitals provide healthcare services to more than 40 per cent of the total population, greatly complementing Government efforts,” Uhuru said.

Lauding his government for rolling out numerous projects over the past four years, Uhuru said that the Jubilee administration has spent over Kshs.430 million to provide specialised equipment Vihiga Level 5 and Emuhaya Level 4 hospital.

“My Government has equipped Vihiga County Referral and Emuhaya Hospitals with Theatre Equipment, Sterilization Equipment and Surgical sets, Renal (Kidney) Equipment, ICU Equipment and Radiology Equipment worth 810 million shillings.  And this has brought health care services closer to the people,” President Kenyatta said.

During the launch of the hospital, the Belgian Government represented by its ambassador to Kenya also came in to fund water projects in the area in a bid to increase water supply.

Renovation of of Jumuia Friends Kaimosi Hospital has cost the government a total of Ksh.350 million.

Finance Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich who represented his health counterpart applauded president Uhuru’s dedication for the country’s health agenda claiming the government has ensured improved access to quality and affordable healthcare, insisting the national government has been at the fore front to finance county governments in time after health was devolved.

They spoke at National prayer meeting organized by local churches of Vihiga at the Friends Church Vihiga grounds.

This comes even as the Nurses strike enters its third week. Nurses downed their tools demanding registration of the CBA they negotiated with governors – an agreement that grants them of Ksh.40 billion in allowances over four years, and one that has been rejected by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

Religious and political leaders have pleaded with nurses to go back to work as they negotiate; even as nurses insist that they must strike a deal before they call off the strike.

As the stalemate continues, healthcare at state institutions remains at a standstill.