Mombasa kids get free healthcare, but Governor Nassir draws line at county borders
By Farhiya Hussein |
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has reaffirmed his popular initiative offering free medical care to children under five, but with a twist: only children residing within Mombasa County qualify.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has reaffirmed his popular initiative offering free medical care to children under five, but with a twist: only children residing within Mombasa County qualify. This clarification comes after reports of confusion and some parents being charged despite the program's announcement.
Nassir's decision stems from concerns about resource strain. He cited a high percentage of non-local children seeking care at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, putting pressure on Mombasa's healthcare system. Expanding the program beyond the county limits, he says, would raise unsustainable financial burdens.
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The program's cost hits close to home for Mombasa. Resources come from various county sectors, including a dedicated Sh6 million monthly contribution to support the hospital's treatment of underprivileged residents. Nassir also clarified his stance on the Mombasa Cement Company's previous philanthropic support, emphasizing that county resources must prioritize Mombasa's own people.
Balancing the needs of non-local patients with the demands of managing a county budget, including a high wage bill and limited national government funding, presents a constant struggle. Nassir highlighted the constitutional requirements for resource allocation across various Mombasa sectors, further underscoring the budgetary challenges in meeting essential service needs within the county's limited means.
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