By Nelly Adhiambo, Busia
Busia Governor Dr Paul Nyongesa Otuoma has Commissioned the Sh100 million – 96 bed capacity new surgical ward at the Busia County Referral Hospital (BCRH).
The opening of the one storey facility is a relief to accident victims, patients with chronic wounds, assault cases and those suffering from intestinal obstructions among others.
Addressing residents after officially opening the facility, Otuoma said it will ease congestion and boost the provision of services.
“The surgical ward has added 30 per cent on our bed capacity as a County. We have moved from 200 to 300 bed capacity. It has helped us to sort out the problem that we had,” he said.
He went on; “When we make right decisions and focus as well as channel resources in the rightful place our problems can be solved,” added the County Chief.
He however, took issue with the elevation of health facilities without considering their capability to provide the required services, adding that it is an issue that should be looked into.
“I get baffled by those who allow this kind of classifications to go on. In my view classification means you have fulfilled the requirements for you to be admitted at the level that you want to be. When we tell people that the facility is level 5 yet it is level 4 we are literally lying making people to seek services that are not there.”
“We are not the kind of people who make roadside declaration. We want to be given information that informs the decisions that we make and planning,” said Governor Otuoma
The Governor further directed the County Human Resource
Management Advisory Committee to be activated to ensure that it provides solutions to the problems facing the health sector.
“We are not the kind of people who make roadside declaration. We want to be given information that informs the decisions that we make and planning,”
He said several plans are in place to expand the BCRH to ensure one stop provision of services to the locals, adding that the Busia Vocational Training Centre will be relocated.
He emphasized that his administration will continue working closely with the National Government and other partners for the benefit of residents in the County.
The County boss urged residents to take the responsibility of registering with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
He said NHIF capitation remains low compared to the number of cases treated, making it difficult for the hospitals to provide the required services.
He has assured the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) that there outstanding dues will be cleared, adding that his Government recognizes the role they play.
The acting Busia County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto said it is a milestone for the County Government on matters of health as well as provision of medical services.
The Chairperson of the Busia County Assembly Committee on Health and Sanitation Dalmas Onjole said the facility will decongest the wards, adding that other stalled projects should also be completed.
Also present were County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), Chief Officers, Partners and the County Health Management Team among others.
The one storey facility was constructed by the National Government through the Department of Defense in collaboration with the County Government of Busia
