The Senate Health Committee has raised alarm over the significant staff shortages and poor healthcare infrastructure in some key healthcare facilities in Western Kenya.
The committee, which conducted an oversight tour in Bungoma and Kakamega counties on Saturday, November 15, noted that many hospitals, including the Kakamega and Bungoma referral hospitals, are operating with inadequate personnel, despite the availability of trained personnel.
The committee said that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) county executives, in the two counties, should make use of the resources provided by the national government to ensure that all Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff are hired into permanent, pensionable terms, to address the understaffing challenge.
“We have noted shortages of staff across facilities in the country, and that is why, as a Committee, we want a conversation with the unions, the SRC, and the Public Service Board to address this issue," Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson said.
"We have enough well-trained personnel; our challenge is resources, but we can still do better with what we have to improve service delivery for our people,” he added.
The committee also raised concerns over the state of the Bungoma County Morgue, which is designed to accommodate 20 bodies but currently holds 50.
Additionally, the committee said that healthcare facilities in the two counties are suffering from frequent system failures, which are crippling their ability to manage healthcare records effectively.
“We urged county governments to fully digitalize their health records and invest in stable, efficient systems to enhance service delivery,” said Senator Marian Omar.
Furthermore, Bungoma County Senator David Wakoli called for a collective effort between all levels of government, parents, and other stakeholders to curb the accelerating rate of teenage pregnancies in the two counties.
“The statistics show that out of every ten pregnant women, eight are under 18 years old. I am calling on the people of Bungoma and all Kenyans to take action, because if this continues, the lives of future generations will be greatly affected,” Wakoli said.
Members of the committee have assured that they will compile a comprehensive report highlighting the healthcare gaps in the two counties, which will be tabled in parliament for action to be taken.
"The Senate Committee on Health conducted an oversight visit to Bungoma and Kakamega County Referral Hospitals, as well as other health facilities in the two counties, as part of its mandate to assess the status of healthcare service delivery, infrastructure, and resource utilisation in public health institutions," a statement from Parliament read.
