By Wycliffe Andabwa

The government of Kenya has set a target to register 1.8 million households under the Taifa Care health insurance program in Kakamega County. As of now, approximately 271,000 households have been registered, and the registration exercise is still in progress.

During a recent event in Malava, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, emphasized the importance of collaboration between National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and Community Health Promoters (CHPs). She urged these groups to work together to enhance the registration process and communicate effectively with the community. Dr. Barasa highlighted the need for sharing experiences regarding women’s health, child care, and the challenges faced in these areas to improve health outcomes and maintain the integrity of the Taifa Care program.

Dr. Barasa expressed the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring access to essential medicines and services. She attributed this commitment to the support from the President, political goodwill, and the availability of resources and legislation necessary for successful implementation of Taifa Care. She stressed that successful health initiatives rely on consultation, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders involved.

Moreover, she called upon health facilities to engage with the scheme to benefit from the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), which would enhance healthcare services. Dr. Barasa also invited development partners to contribute to this noble cause.

Kakamega’s Deputy Governor, Ayub Savula, acknowledged the role of the county government in facilitating the registration of households with Taifa Care. He also highlighted a pressing need for at least Sh13 billion to finalize and operationalize the upcoming Kakamega Level 6 Hospital, which is designated to serve as a referral health facility for the Western region.

In response to these needs, Dr. Barasa assured the public of the national government’s support for the completion of the Level 6 Hospital, following a directive from the President. She outlined a plan to allocate Sh3 billion for the construction completion and an additional Sh10 billion for equipping the hospital and hiring necessary personnel.

Additionally, Dr. Barasa announced plans to establish a regional cancer center in Kakamega, set to be finished by next year. This initiative aims to improve cancer care services in the region significantly.

Deputy Governor Savula mentioned that the completion of the Level 6 Hospital would lead to enhanced healthcare services across Western Kenya, positioning it as the primary government referral hospital for the area. He expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment, indicating that progress in this project would be reflected in the next budget.

Once fully operational, the 750-capacity referral hospital is expected to create job opportunities for over 4,500 residents, thereby boosting the local economy and improving healthcare delivery in the region.

Dr. Barasa assured that the national government remains dedicated to supporting the Level 6 Hospital initiative, reinforcing the commitment to delivering quality healthcare across Kenya. The completion of this flagship project is anticipated not only to improve health services but also to empower the community economically.

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