By F, KNA
The National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation has raised concerns over persistent budget cuts affecting Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), warning that the financial strain is demoralising health workers and threatening service delivery.
Speaking after a second day of meetings with the hospital’s management, committee chairperson and Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala said MTRH had been earmarked for increased allocations from the 2019/2020 financial year, but funds were progressively reduced, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the hospital received no allocation in the current budget.
“This has caused them to be unable to remit some statutory deductions, including loan repayments to various banks and cooperative societies. Many of the workers have taken loans, and the accumulated amount has now reached over Sh3 billion,” Wanjala said.
He added that the committee will, within the next 20 days, engage the National Treasury to find a sustainable solution.
“MTRH is doing a commendable job, but we must address the financial constraints so that workers remain motivated. On all other issues, the hospital has scored 100%. But these are people dealing with human lives. If they are demoralized, they may not be able to save lives as effectively. We are taking this matter very seriously,” he stressed.
Committee Member Lilian Sioyi, the Trans Nzoia Woman Representative, urged the committee to prioritize the matter with the National Treasury.
“We need to pick up this matter as a priority and have it addressed immediately. When we undertook a tour yesterday, we were impressed by the operations of the medical facility but did not imagine these are the challenges they face,” she said.
On his part, MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Phillip Kirwa assured that the hospital remains sound in its operations despite the funding challenges.
“We are sound in terms of the work that we do. We have a few challenges, but they are surmountable,” Dr. Kirwa said.
He explained that the main issue is a budget shortfall for personal emoluments, which also affected the facility last year.
However, he expressed optimism that with government intervention the crisis will be resolved.
“We have already approached the government, and with the support of Members of Parliament and the Chair, we believe we should be able to secure, at least in a supplementary budget, what we require to pay our staff their rightful emoluments,” Dr. Kirwa affirmed.
The hospital also urged for targeted support for county and sub-county hospitals in its catchment area to better handle common outpatient cases and ease the burden on the facility.
Dr. Kirwa further highlighted MTRH’s efforts to create a more inclusive working environment for people with disabilities.
He noted that a Committee on Disability Mainstreaming has been appointed, and the hospital has procured motorized wheelchairs to ease the movement of persons with disabilities.
Additionally, 30 staff members have been trained in sign language to assist both employees and patients with hearing impairments.
The Committee pledged to fast-track discussions with the Treasury to ensure MTRH workers receive their dues and that the hospital continues serving the region effectively.
