Medical doctors from Kisii and Nyamira Counties have come together to improve healthcare services in the region.
Over 300 doctors who hail from the two Counties have come together under the umbrella organization Inka Medics Association (IMA) to supplement efforts by the devolved units to avail quality and affordable healthcare to the people.
The association was launched in a dinner presided over by Kisii Governor James Ongwae at Nyakoe Hotel. Nyamira Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo, Kisii County First Lady Mrs. Elizabeth Ongwae and CECs in charge of health services from the two counties were present. The Local Organising Committee was represented by Dr Raymond Oigara and Kisii Eye Hospital CEO Dr Dan Kiage.
Ongwae commended the move that saw over 300 doctors from across the globe, who come from the Kisii community join hands in boosting provision of healthcare. “I am moved by the dedication behind this initiative. It’s the right step towards achieving improved healthcare provision to our people,” said Ongwae.
Ongwae said his government has prioritized provision of healthcare to the people the reason why he has invested heavily on healthcare. He said he will team up with Nyamira County in addressing healthcare.
Kisii County has prioritized the provision of comprehensive and quality to the people a move that has informed the heavy investment a whopping 33 per cent of its total development budget.
To improve the doctors’ welfare, the Kisii governor said the county largest hospital will put up a Doctors Plaza where they can practice and offer consultancy services to specialized needs. This will replicate the Kenyatta national hospital style where government doctors offer consultancy and private practice not away from their duty.
“Since the inception of the county governments you have been an important partner in our development I urge you to see to it that you syndicate your services so that you can set up a facility that will tap your specialized services at a central place. This kind of investment will go a long way in supplementing what the government is doing in healthcare,” added Ongwae.
Kenyatta national Hospital deputy chief executive officer Dr Simeon Monda challenged the county government to tap the services of the specialized medics to improve services at the Kisii Teaching and referral hospital.
Dr. Kennedy Ongwae who heads UNICEF’s Maternal and Child Health division at the Abuja, Nigeria regional office asked the Kisii County Government to tap into medical tourism by improving services at the Kisii Hospital.
“Kisii County has been rated the best in terms of per capita allocation to healthcare. We want to support this drive and going forward, Kisii can be a medical transit destination if we can avail world class healthcare services at the referral hospital,” said Dr. Ongwae.
Governor Ongwae called upon those in the diaspora to give back to society through investment in healthcare, mentorship and motivational talks in schools.
He challenged the doctors to syndicate their specialities and establish a modern medical facility to complement County Government efforts in healthcare provision.
Nyamira deputy governor Amos Nyaribo applauded the initiative saying it will help improve provision of health care.
