This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
Published on July 2, 2021, Nyamira County is taking a significant step towards improving the health standards of its most vulnerable residents.
According to Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, the county has initiated a registration exercise to identify vulnerable households that will benefit from the Universal Health Care (UHC) programme.
With over 15,000 households expected to benefit, the programme aims to provide free or low-cost medical care to those who cannot afford it.
"We have very vulnerable households in our county living in abject poverty and cannot afford to pay even for basic health care services," Governor Nyaribo said. "This scenario puts their lives at risk, which is why my government initiated this programme to improve the health standards of these people amidst our community."
The county is collaborating with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to ensure that eligible households can access free medication or at very minimum costs.
"Most of our people are peasant farmers, or casual labourers as tea pickers in neighbouring counties of Kericho and their meager earnings cannot enable them to seek professional and quality medical care whenever they fall ill," Governor Nyaribo added. "This initiative will give them confidence to seek professional medical care and cushion them against buying painkiller drugs over the counter without proper examination to know exactly what is ailing them."
Structural works to facelift seven health facilities in the county are also underway at a cost of Sh250 million.
"The department of health is indebted by the Governor's passion and commitment in ensuring that the health sector in this county is of the best quality for the people of Nyamira and beyond to enjoy healthy lives," said County Executive Committee member for Health Gladys Momanyi.
