Migori County Government has distributed 131 beds and mattresses worth Sh3 million to level two and three health facilities across the county to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services.
Speaking to the press during the flagging-off event for the distribution, County Executive Committee Member for Health (CECM) Calleb Opondi said that the beds will be distributed to 131 facilities.
He added that the initiative will supplement existing resources and strengthen health service delivery at level two and three facilities across the 40 wards.
“We have called you here to witness the flagging off of beds and mattresses that will be distributed to our level two and three facilities. This will improve maternal and newborn care and enhance service delivery in our health facilities,” said Opondi.
He noted that most residents seek treatment at dispensaries and health centres located within villages across the county, making it necessary to equip the facilities with adequate infrastructure and medical supplies.
According to Opondi, the county has continued to register significant improvements in healthcare services since Governor Ochilo Ayacko assumed office, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
“I can confidently say that since Governor Ochilo Ayacko came into leadership, there has been tremendous improvement in healthcare services. We have improved access to medical care, increased availability of commodities and enhanced support to our facilities,” he said.
He further revealed that Migori County had recorded 150 consecutive days without a maternal death as of June 22, attributing the achievement to improved healthcare interventions and close monitoring of expectant mothers.
“We have mapped all pregnant women in the county and identified those at high risk. We encourage them to attend antenatal clinics regularly to ensure safe deliveries and healthy outcomes,” added Opondi.
Rongo Sub-County Medical Officer Bernard Onoka assured residents that public health facilities have adequate stocks of drugs and non-pharmaceutical commodities to support uninterrupted service delivery.
“Currently, we have enough drugs in our dispensaries, health centres and sub-county hospitals. The available stock can sustain us for the next four months and before it is exhausted, we will have received another supply,” said Onoka.
He explained that all public health facilities remain operational and staffed with nurses and clinical officers, adding that additional healthcare workers are expected to be recruited in the coming months.
Onoka also noted that Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have been equipped with testing kits and trained to conduct malaria tests at the community level to facilitate early detection and treatment.
“We have trained our community health promoters on malaria testing and referral. This will help identify cases early and ensure patients receive treatment before their conditions worsen,” he said.
The medical officer emphasised that all maternity units have adequate staff, equipment and medical supplies to support safe deliveries and maternal healthcare services.
“No mother should deliver at home because our facilities have enough staff, medicines and equipment to provide quality care. We are encouraging all pregnant women to attend clinics and deliver in health facilities,” said Onoka.
He urged residents to make use of the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme and continue seeking treatment in public health facilities as the county works towards improving healthcare access and outcomes.
by Sharon Kidiga and Faith Opar
