Machakos County health department receives Ksh.70 million boost

Machakos County has made a major breakthrough in its healthcare campaign after receiving donations worth Ksh.70 million from German organization Malteser International.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony of assorted medical equipment at Machakos Level 5 hospital's casualty section, Governor Wavinya Ndeti said her government was keen on prioritizing healthcare for the residents.

She said her administration had proposed about Ksh.5 billion to finance this year's health budget to try and fill the critical resources gap required to run the health sector.

Governor Wavinya said the donations by Malteser International will assist in the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis, cancer and other diseases.

She later flagged off the equipment and assorted medical gear which will be distributed in at least 17 healthcare facilities across the county which included Machakos Level 5 Hospital.

Wavinya added that Malteser had also trained emergency responders and ambulance drivers during the first phase and will continue capacity building for the officers.

The county chief added that she was committed to making Machakos a model county in emergency response given the high burden of accidents due to proximity to Nairobi city and major highways that cut across the county.

She added that Machakos will benefit from other donors totaling to Ksh.879.8 million, including; Center for Health Education and BIO Security (Ksh.650 million), Catholic Medical Mission Board (Ksh.40 million), Respiratory Society of Kenya (Ksh.10.3 million).

Martin Schoemburg, Country Director for Malteser International, said they will help support the Machakos County emergency department for enhancement of better quality services.

He added that they have initiated training from ambulance operators among other health workers.

Also present was Health County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Daniel Yumbya and a host of other senior officials of the government.