Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a KSh35 million maternity block at Uruku Health Centre in Meru County, a facility expected to expand access to maternal and newborn healthcare for approximately 18,000 residents.
The 22 bed facility, constructed and equipped by the M PESA Foundation, includes delivery rooms, a newborn unit, incubators, solar power and a reliable water supply.
The investment supports the Government's Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative, which aims to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths through improved access to quality healthcare.
Duale said the Government was committed to strengthening maternal and newborn health services through better policies, healthcare financing, clinical guidelines and improved referral systems.
“I reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting maternal and newborn health through sound policies, clinical guidelines, capacity building, healthcare financing and stronger referral systems,” Duale said.
He added that the EWENE Acceleration Plan would help identify weaknesses in healthcare delivery and ensure that corrective action was taken promptly by both national and county governments.
“The EWENE Acceleration Plan further strengthens accountability by identifying gaps in care and ensuring timely corrective action across both levels of government,” he said.
Duale Urges Expectant Mothers to Attend Antenatal Clinics Early
The Health CS urged expectant mothers to begin antenatal care early, attend all recommended clinic visits and seek assistance from skilled health professionals during childbirth.
“I urged expectant mothers to begin antenatal care early, complete all recommended clinic visits and deliver under the care of skilled health professionals,” Duale said.
The new maternity block is expected to bring essential delivery and newborn care services closer to families in the area.
Its newborn unit and incubators will provide infrastructure for the care of newborns, although the quality and reach of services will also depend on staffing, medical supplies and operational funding.
Meru County Hospital Set for Referral Hospital Upgrade
Duale also announced plans to upgrade Meru County Hospital into a referral hospital, a move intended to bring specialised medical services closer to residents.
The proposed upgrade is expected to reduce long distance journeys for patients seeking advanced treatment while easing pressure on other referral facilities.
The announcement adds to the county's healthcare infrastructure plans, although details on the implementation timeline and scope of the proposed upgrade were not provided in the statement.
Duale Reveals SHA Registration and KSh7.5 Billion Health Funding Figures
On healthcare financing, Duale said more than 780,000 Meru residents had registered for coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He also reported that more than KSh7.5 billion had been disbursed to health facilities across the county to support service delivery and improve access to care.
The figures were provided by the CS during the launch. His statement did not specify the period covered by the reported disbursements or provide a breakdown of how the money was distributed among individual facilities.
Duale Warns Against Misuse of Ebola Preparedness Funds
Duale also called for accountability in the management of resources allocated to Ebola preparedness and response.
“I reaffirmed that all allocated resources must be managed transparently and accountably,” he said.
He warned that public money set aside for disease preparedness must be protected against fraud and misuse.
“Fraud, misappropriation and abuse of public funds will not be tolerated,” Duale said.
The CS said strengthening disease surveillance, preparedness and response remained essential to protecting Kenyans, adding that resources must be directed towards their intended purposes.
“As we strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response measures, protecting Kenyans and ensuring every resource serves its intended purpose remain paramount,” he said.
Leaders Attend Uruku Health Centre Maternity Block Launch
The launch was attended by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi and Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kiburi Kilemi.
South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti and an M PESA Foundation delegation led by Karen Basiye also attended the event, alongside other national and county leaders.
The KSh35 million maternity block adds to the healthcare infrastructure available in Meru County as the Government pursues its EWENE initiative to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
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