MCAs call for operationalisation of Coast General Hospital's Marimani Outreach Centre
By Farhiya Hussein |
MCA Ong'ao informed members that residents of Mwakirunge and its environs were forced to seek medical care from distant and costly private facilities, thus negatively impacting emergency care and overall access to healthcare.
Mombasa Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have called on the county government to operationalise services at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) Marimani Outreach Centre in Mwakirunge Ward.
They have urged the executive to prioritise the stocking of medical supplies and the deployment of medical personnel to the facility.
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According to the local residents, if the motion gets implemented, they will be able to access healthcare services near their homes. "We have waited for so long for proper healthcare services. This will make a big difference in our lives,” said Mary Katana.
"Access to quality healthcare should be a basic right for all. This is a positive step towards achieving that," David Baya, another resident, added.
Fatuma Ali, a mother of two, remarked, "Traveling long distances for medical care has been a huge challenge, especially in emergencies. We hope the county government will act swiftly."
The House passed a motion seeking to have the County Government of Mombasa operationalise services at the CGTRH Marimani Outreach Centre in Mwakirunge Ward.
This followed a prayer by MCA Joshua Ong'ao, urging the Executive to prioritise the stocking of medical supplies and deployment of medical personnel to the CGTRH Marimani Outreach Centre.
Costly private facilities
Speaking while presenting his motion, Ong'ao informed members that residents of Mwakirunge and its environs were forced to seek medical care from distant and costly private facilities, thus negatively impacting emergency care and overall access to healthcare.
The majority of the lawmakers supported the motion, empathising with the Mwakirunge residents.
The Members of County Assembly cited the Health Act 2017, which mandated the provision of equitable, affordable, and quality health services and the operationalisation of existing health facilities. They unanimously passed the motion.
During the sitting, the MCA for Bamburi Ward, Patrick Mbelle, also sought to have the county government distribute development funds equitably across all wards.
In his motion, Mbelle argued that development needed to be funded equitably to address needs and achieve sustainability, thereby improving the quality of life for residents of Mombasa County.
“The distribution of the funds should be based on specific needs and priorities and be reflected in all County Budgetary documents,” he proposed.
He also emphasised that the county government should ensure meaningful public participation in the planning and budgeting processes to represent the residents' voices and needs.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Planning would provide quarterly reports to the assembly on the status of funds distribution and the progress of development projects in each ward.
MCA Juma Manuari supported the motion, stating that the MCAs' support and input would assist the Governor in performing his mandate, as they were well-acquainted with the issues facing residents. On her side, MCA Leila Nyache voiced her support, saying that equitable distribution would go a long way in ensuring Mombasa residents received the development they desired.
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