Homa Bay residents in islands and remote areas are expected to access medical services after the German Development Bank (KFW) donated a mobile clinic.
KFW donated the clinic through the Aga Khan Hospital with the aim of supporting the primary healthcare agenda by creating access.
The sh20 million vehicle will be taken to islands in Lake Victoria and other remote areas where access to medical services has been a challenge.
Homa Bay has more than five islands such as Mfangano, Rusinga, Kiwa, Remba, Ringiti and Kibuogi among others.
Governor Gladys Wanga, his deputy Oyugi Magwanga and County health executive Roselyn Omollo joined Aga Khan Hospital chief executive officer Jane Wanyana.
Wanga said the clinic will be frequently used by residents in remote areas who have been facing difficulties in accessing healthcare services due to transportation problems.
She said the clinic will enhance service delivery in the areas as it will be carried to the islands by ferries.
“Homa Bay appreciates the Aga Khan for the donation and I assure the management we’ll put the facility to good use. We’re going to give priority to residents in islands and other remote areas,” Wanga said.
Speaking during the flagging off of the facility at the county headquarters in Homa Bay town on Wednesday, Wanga said they are putting more effort into addressing health care for the people of Homa Bay.
She expressed confidence that through partnership they will be able to achieve more in the health service provision.
Wanyama said the donation will support universal and primary health care.
“We believe the donation will go a long way in boosting county efforts of bringing timely and quality care to those who need it,” Wanyama said.
The mobile clinic is equipped with modern machines that can diagnose different diseases. Other features include a fridge, cooler boxes and two examination beds.
She added the vehicle has a pharmacy to dispense drugs.
“The vehicle will be used to offer specialized care,” Wanyama said.
Omollo said they have information about some residents who have been struggling to get money to travel and seek technical and referral hospitals for specialized medication.
She said poverty has contributed to challenges in seeking health services in remote areas.
The mobile clinic will also help in blood donation as it will move from one place to another. Referrals will be done using the clinic.
Some of the areas the vehicle will be taken to include markets and other social places.
“We’ll assign specialists on different days to go to the targeted areas and offer help to the people using the clinic,” Omollo said.
