Reprieve for Migori residents as neglected dispensaries set to re-open
Nyanza
By
Anne Atieno
| Aug 19, 2024
Migori County government has set out plans to operationalise 16 dispensaries across the county.
The facilities are part of 30 dispensaries that had remained closed despite their completion a decade ago.
Caleb Opondi, CEC Health who was recently moved from the Environment docket promised that the 16 facilities will open door soon.
According to the official, delays in operationalising the dispensaries have forced residents to look for healthcare services in far-flung areas.
READ MORE
iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Max: Is It Worth the Price?
NATO begins sending F-16 jets in new support for Ukraine
Euro 2024: Faltering stars and delighted underdogs do battle in last 16
Kenya face Zimbabwe in Eight-Goal-International on Friday
China says MI6 recruited state workers to spy for UK
Ruto secures 16 helicopters from US amid aging fleet concerns
China says it detained person accused of collecting secrets for Britain
First group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots complete basic training in UK
Step up campaigns to end violence that stalks our women and girls
Calls for education and empowerment of girls as 16 days of activism begin
Opondi said most of the dispensaries were in a bad state and Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s administration was forced to conduct a facelift in some of them.
He said they would also ensure that enough healthcare workers are available at the dispensaries for residents to get quality services.
“Residents getting quality healthcare services is part of the governor’s manifesto and we are doing everything possible to achieve that,” said Opondi.
Concerns have in the past been raised regarding the status of the neglected 30 dispensaries.
“We have been walking long distances to access healthcare services,” said David Oketch, a resident in Suna West.
Residents who were digging deep into their pockets in search for health services are now hopeful that the operationalisation of the facilities will help ease their burden of having to travel long distances.
“Women in labour have had to endure long distances on rough roads to reach to health centres. The dispensaries when opened will given such women easy time,” Martha Auma, a resident of Nyatike said.
In some areas, residents had been forced to part with as much as Sh200 to get to the nearest health centre.
The residents said they hoped the facilities would start operating and lessen their burden while seeking healthcare far away.
Some of the facilities had become home to weeds, urchins and bats.
A few weeks ago, Governor Ayacko during a morning radio talk show, said his administration inherited several health facilities that were mismanaged.