The County Government of Embu is in the process of establishing a level two dispensary unit at Embu Level Five Hospital to take care of patients seeking outpatient services.
The unit according to Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo, will ease the anguish of patients seeking outpatient services especially those within Embu Town, where it is domiciled from being turned away.
As per Social Health Authority (SHA) regulations, patients must first seek outpatient care at lower-level facilities and can only go to higher level facilities on referral basis.
“We want to turn this facility into a one-stop shop to alleviate the suffering of patients seeking outpatient care by having both inpatient and outpatient care seekers attended to here,” he said.
There has been an outcry from patients claiming they have been turned away from the facility without being treated that the Deputy Governor attributed to lack of information with regard to SHA packages and contract.
Speaking during a tour of the facility on Wednesday, the DG added that they will equip the lower-level facilities to enable them offer quality services and handle complex outpatient cases.
The facility Chief Executive Officer Bancy Wawira said assessment has already been done for the new level two unit and was awaiting registration.
“We are establishing the unit at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinic and we are optimistic that it will be registered very soon,” she said.
The CEO said they had set up a desk at the facility to enhance communication and registration of residents into SHA.
She said the new health policy was working and the few teething problems will end soon and Kenyans will realize its full benefits.
The Deputy Governor also called on residents not to politicize health services in the county following media reports of poor services at the county’s largest facility.
“I have toured all units and I can authoritatively say that the facility is fully operational with timely and quality services provision contrary to the allegations,” he stated.
By Samuel Waititu