Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo has broken his silence after an uproar by residents on the state of Makueni’s Universal health care (UHC)
The governor addressed the issue during a WhatsApp Question and Answer session organized by the Mbooni Tibim group.
Mutula acknowledged that the health sector faces challenges due to budget constraints. He said that the sector is taking nearly 40 percent of the total budget and the remaining 50 percent going to paying salaries and recurrent expenditure. He added that 161 dispensaries have one nurse and they have a total of 15 level hospitals.
“Lack of Budget is the greatest we have as a County. For example, the health sector is taking 40 percent of the total budget and 50 percent is going to paying salaries. “Mutula lamented.
“I am aware that some of the health officers are directing patients to buy drugs from private chemists are people getting cuts. Conflict of interest is a big issue to health,” The Governor went on.
County Executive Committee Member for Healthcare Services, Dr Paul Musila reiterated that Makûenî UHC is still functional.
On Monday, Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Member Francis Mutuku requested a statement over what he termed as a stalled Universal healthcare policy in the county.
Mutukue wanted the department to explain the actions taken so far with regard to the stalled registration of residents into the program as well as reduced revenue collections from the program noting that the Ksh 500 annual fee program was meant to complement the other existing programs in the county, including NHIF, Linda Mama and EduAfya but has had little impact so far. The Health Committee was given 7 days to interrogate and report on the matter.
