By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, participated in the official inauguration of the Mkongani Sub-County Hospital Theatre Block alongside His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and Deputy President Hon. Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki.
During the event, the President also laid the foundation stone for the establishment of an X-ray and Diagnostics Center, which aims to address a significant service gap that had previously necessitated residents to travel more than 20 kilometers to reach Kwale Sub-County Hospital.
According to the Ministry of Health the facility, which began as a Level 2 dispensary in 1949, was upgraded to a Level 3 Mkongani Model Health Center in 2021 due to increasing demand for services.
“Today, it has been further elevated to a Level 4 Sub-County Hospital, expanding its capacity to provide comprehensive medical care,” the Ministry of Health said on X.
The event saw participation from the leadership of Kwale County and Matuga Constituency, as well as various stakeholders dedicated to promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) via Taifa Care.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that Taifa Care aims not only to enhance access but also to revolutionize healthcare in order to more effectively meet the needs of all Kenyans.
The Ministry of Health has also initiated a three-day awareness campaign in Garissa County aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse, particularly concerning new nicotine and tobacco products.
This initiative unites both governmental and non-governmental entities to deliberate on control strategies, policy implementation, and methods for engaging the community.
The Ministry of Health reports that professionals from the health sector, law enforcement agencies, and civil society are spearheading discussions focused on regulatory challenges and effective strategies to combat substance abuse.