Makueni county government is finalizing plans to establish six Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in every sub county to improve services offered at primary health facilities in the area.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior said the PCNs will boost access to care through effective promotive and preventive service provision.
Mutula was speaking Friday at Katulye primary school in Kilungu sub county, during Mashujaa day celebrations, where he commissioned 3,625 Community Health Promoters (CHP) who will provide care services to the community across the county.
“Empowerment of community units by equipping CHP with kits will ensure that basic test can be offered at the household level,” he said.
Each kit has a blood pressure machine, glucometer, weighing scale, nutrition supplements and data capturing gadgets.
“The basic test will lead timely referrals to the 238 health facilities in the county with minimal to no complications caused by common disease, hence reducing disease burden with a healthier productive population,” he added.
The healthcare initiatives will be led by the Governor spouse Anita Mutula.
He said his administration is committed in ensuring a healthier population by equipping 238 health facilities with essential drugs, infrastructure and adapting technology.
“We have invested approximately Sh109 million to equip our 238 health facilities with essential medical supplies, opening mother and child hospital in Tawa and leveraging technology for obstetric safe surgeries,” he added.
Mutula noted that 25 women have emerged victorious in their battle against fistula after successful corrective surgeries performed at the Mother and Child hospital in Wote.
“We have also conducted free medical camps and surgery camps to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all,” he noted.
The department of health has commenced the empowerment training of CHP where one promoter will serve at least 100 households.
“The training is ongoing, please welcome them to your homes to check your health in order to link you early to health centres and hospitals for medications,” said the County Health Executive Committee Dr. Paul Masila.
Makueni pioneered Universal Health Care in 2016, which was later piloted in 4 counties by the national government in 2018.
Kilungu sub county Commissioner Jane Katuse lauded the government initiative of focusing on primary health care saying it will promote healthier communities.
