CS Nakhumicha distributes Kenyan-made phones to community health promoters

The smartphones, Nakhumicha noted, are equipped with the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS), a vital tool in the digital health transformation and they will play a critical role in assisting CHPs in collecting and transferring data.

The CS observed that the Government is committed to utilizing technology as a catalyst for achieving Universal Health Coverage and hence the distribution of the phones, with a focus on promotive and preventive health services. 

“As we shift our emphasis from curative measures. The smartphones, locally assembled and provided by Safaricom, will empower our Community Health Promoters with the tools necessary to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness in their communities,” Nakhumicha said. 

Speaking after an extensive tour of the JM Kariuki Memorial Hospital in Nyandarua County, the CS said the Kenya Kwanza government in collaboration with counties and other development partners are working hard to achieve universal healthcare, to ensure such services get closer to the people and that those behind the program are properly trained.

And as most parts of the country continue to receive heavy rains and with some areas get flooded, the Health Cabinet Secretary affirmed the government's commitment to caution Kenyans against the adverse effects of the rains especially in preventing the outbreak and spread of waterborne diseases.

She said the government is on alert and would be launching mass distribution of mosquito nets across the country this week.

Nyandarua Governor Dr. Moses Kiarie Badilisha praised the programme, saying it will enhance community access to healthcare to improve productivity and thus reduce poverty, hunger, maternal and child deaths, as well as to improve educational performance across all stages of life.

However, while speaking at the Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital in Laikipia County over the same programmes, the Cabinet Secretary revealed that there was a challenge in maintenance of Managed Equipment Services Programme (EMSP), and the government will not relent to crack the whip on those responsible. 

Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri said there was a dire need to support the Health Department achieve its goals saying this will only be achieved if partners and the government work together.

He said the County Administration has already committed about 52% of its budget to the Health Department to enable it to achieve and promote health services across the county.