Kwale County Shifts Focus: Revamping Existing Health Facilities Over New Constructions

Kwale County has announced a strategic shift in its approach to healthcare development. Instead of pursuing the construction of new health facilities, the county government under Governor Fatuma Achani will concentrate on revitalizing and upgrading its current healthcare infrastructure.

Governor Achani explained that the county government aims to enhance the service delivery of existing primary healthcare centers by improving their equipment, stocking up on essential medications, and increasing staffing levels. This initiative aligns with the county’s commitment to ensuring that its health facilities can effectively meet the needs for which they were established.

Before the advent of devolution in 2013, Kwale County had only 35 health centers. Today, the number has expanded to 162, distributed across its six sub-counties: Matuga, Msambweni, Kinango, Samburu, Shimba Hills, and Lunga Lunga. Despite this growth, Achani emphasized that the current focus will be on revitalizing these existing facilities to ensure they function at their full potential.

During a recent public forum in Msambweni Sub County, Achani highlighted the critical role of quality primary healthcare and robust infrastructure in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya. She noted that while the original aim of establishing numerous health centers was to improve access to healthcare and bring essential services closer to the population, there is now a need to strengthen these facilities to enhance overall healthcare delivery.

Achani outlined that due to budgetary constraints, the county would prioritize renovating existing healthcare centers, procuring necessary medical equipment, and hiring additional health workers. These measures are designed to address the growing demand for healthcare services across the county.

To support this transition, the county plans to streamline its existing healthcare workforce and recruit more professionals to ensure comprehensive coverage across all areas. The Governor underscored that her administration’s strategic focus is on strengthening primary healthcare as the cornerstone of an effective public health system.

Achani also emphasized the urgency of equipping healthcare facilities, increasing the number of health workers, and improving medical supplies to better meet the needs of the population. Ensuring quality healthcare delivery has been a central concern for her administration, and these steps are expected to significantly improve service provision.

To facilitate greater access to healthcare, the county government will initiate a transformative process to revamp its primary healthcare facilities. A key aspect of this effort includes the recruitment of additional healthcare workers, with the number increasing from 365 in 2013 to 1,800 by 2024. This expansion includes specialists such as gynecologists, urologists, and psychologists, enhancing the range of services available to residents.

Achani further mentioned that the county will continue to recruit the necessary health workforce to meet the minimum staffing requirements for each facility. She welcomed collaboration with stakeholders who can support the county in delivering healthcare services more effectively.

In addition to these initiatives, the Governor highlighted the ongoing construction of a Sh 65 million cancer treatment center. This new facility is expected to improve cancer care by enabling early detection and ultimately saving lives. The provision of free health services at Level 2 and 3 facilities has also been instrumental in improving access to quality healthcare in the region.

Governor Achani urged residents to be proactive about their health, seek timely medical attention, and not wait until conditions worsen. By improving access to and the quality of healthcare services, Kwale County aims to enhance overall public health and contribute to a more productive society.