The County government of Kisumu will collaborate with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) to enhance health services in the region.
Making the announcement, the County’s Governor Hon. Jack Ranguma revealed that his government had identified health as a pillar of investment. He pointed out that the decision by the Council to invest in health, was in fact aiding the County achieve its objective.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lakeside County was speaking in his office during a courtesy call by the NCCK’s General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja. “Let me take this opportunity to welcome you in Kisumu County. Investment in the health sector is a step in the right direction. As a County we have identified health as a pillar of investment,” said Governor Ranguma.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues key among them the Council’s social investment in the region especially the newly refurbished Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi.
Governor Ranguma who chairs the Health Committee of the Council of Governors said: “We hope that Jumuia Kaimosi will play a role in stopping the hemorrhage in the health sector. I am pleased that this is happening in the region. On behalf of my colleagues we encourage you. As governors we will be happy to engage. I will obviously be part of the opening.”
The 100-bed multi million shillings facility with state-of-the-art equipment, is expected to revolutionize health care in the larger Western region once it is fully operational. The grand opening ceremony for the facility is scheduled for early January 2017.
Canon Karanja was accompanied by his deputy Dr. Nelson Makanda and a host of senior Church leaders from Kisumu County among them Bishop Joshua Ayoo Koyo and Reverend Simon Achar who is also NCCK’s chair for Nyanza region.
While appreciating the opportunity, Canon Karanja informed his host that the Council was keen on building a culture of diagnosis that speaks to the global standards with the hope of reversing medical tourism to India. “Thank you for according us this opportunity. Kisumu is an important region to us. Your Excellency, Jumuia Hospital Kaimosi is now a level 6 hospital. We are in discussions to enhance partnerships with counties and build synergies with providers that are within reach.”
He pointed out that it was important for the County and NCCK to identify areas of collaboration. “Your services could be overstretched and because of our partnership your staff could benefit from our services. We are advancing in construction of similar facilities in Huruma, Embu and Limuru which will be a super specialty hospital. We hope that your County government will be part of the bigger vision. We are giving this the best attention,” assured Canon Karanja.
Others present during the meeting were Health Executive for Kisumu County Dr. Elizabeth Ogaja her Industrialization counterpart Johnson Awuor, Jumuia Friends Hospital Administrator Margaret Mlamba and NCCK’s Regional Coordinators for Nyanza and Western Zack Gaya and Stephen Amusala respectively.
