Boost to health as Wajir governor unveils Eldas Level 4 Hospital

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi during the unveiling of Eldas Level 4 hospital.

The health sector in Wajir County has received a boost after Eldas Hospital, which has been upgraded to a Level-Four hospital, was opened during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

It was a significant milestone as it happened on the day President William Ruto launched the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme in Kericho.

The modernised facility includes an advanced laboratory, a radiology unit, a comprehensive maternity section with a fully equipped newborn area, and improved male and female wards.

While unveiling the hospital, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi stated that his administration has prioritised investment in the health sector, aiming to improve access to healthcare.

Mr Abdullahi said added enhancement aims to reduce referrals to Wajir County Referral Hospital, fostering more efficient service delivery.

"I am also excited to initiate the countywide distribution of 1,197 community health promoter kits across all six sub-counties of Wajir County," said Governor Ahmed Abdullahi

Farhan Ali, a resident of Eldas Sub County applauded the County Government for bringing health services closer to the people.

"The facility is well equipped and there are friendly and professional healthcare workers. This is a wonderful achievement," said Farhan.

The Universal Health Coverage Policy 2020-2030 conveys the health sector policy directions, strategies and implementation framework for the period between 2020 and 2030. Its goal is 'To ensure all Kenyans have access to essential quality health services without suffering financial hardship.

The UHC is anchored in the bottom-up economic transformation agenda
(BETA) with a focus on primary healthcare priorities. Towards the realisation of this, the County government of Wajir has allocated 30 per cent of its budget to health.

The Governor also announced plans to operationalise all health care facilities "In addition to the 132 that is already operational, we are planning to further open 51 additional primary health care facilities across all the six Sub counties" added the governor.