Subsidy is Paramount in Primary Healthcare: says MTRH Director
Thursday, 12 November ,2009, 17:27

Assistant Deputy Director Clinical Services Dr. Wilson Aruasa with Chief Nurse Mrs. Jane Nyariki and Her Deputy Donald Epaalat lead the Ambassador out of the Hospital Complex

The Director, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Prof. Haroun Mengech said subsidy in healthcare in the country is paramount, if people with low-income capacity are to receive quality healthcare from all hospital levels. He was speaking during a familiarization tour of MTRH by the new German Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Mrs.Margit Hellwig-Boette.

 He said it is challenging for the Hospital to offer medical services if the government does not extend subsidies. The Director lauded international partners who continue to play a crucial role in supporting the Hospital in its various projects.

He added that poverty level in the region has negatively influenced the hospital’s budget, which stands at 1.9 billion shillings a year, because many patients are unable to pay, and thereby necessitating waivers upon discharge.

Dr. Wilson Aruasa, the Assistant Deputy Director Clinical Services, in his view said the Abuja Declaration is clear about subsidy in healthcare in Africa where poverty still haunts millions in many countries. The health sector in Kenya receives about 6.5% of the national GDP instead of the recommended 15%

The Abuja Declaration mandated the African leaders to rededicate themselves to the principles and targets to an intensive effort to have malaria mortality rate for Africa by 2010, through implementing strategies and actions for Roll Back Malaria.

The Director Prof. Haroun Mengech, German Ambassador Hellwig-Boette, Eldoret East DC Mr. Charles Mukele, Dr. Wilson Aruasa and Assistant Principle Administrator. Ms. Lina Boit join CAR-E staff in a group photo.

Dr Aruasa further hailed the Federal Republic of Germany for their continued support to the hospital through GTZ and DED agencies. The GTZ offer financial support to CAR-E, which goes to medical, psychosocial support while DED pays for remunerations of the technical advisor at the centre. CAR-E is centre, which was established in 2007 to cater for assault cases in the region.

After a short presentation from Dr. Jelagat Kibet on CAR-E, Ambassador Hellwig-Boette called for more emphasis on outreach activities saying it will help to reduce spiralling sexual and gender based violence cases. The Director however said the Hospital has been carrying out primary healthcare through frequent medical camps.

The brief tour was attended by the Director Prof. Haroun Mengech, Assistant Deputy Director Clinical Services, Dr. Wilson K Aruasa, Chief Nurse Mrs. Jane Nyariki, Eldoret East DC, Mr. Charles Mukele and Assistant Principal Administrator Ms. Linah Boit among others.

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