Inadequate funding plagues Garissa hospital, health committee says

Out of the Sh144 million allocated for Garissa Referral Hospital, the facility only received a fraction.

During a press briefing at Garissa County Referral Hospital, the county assembly's health committee disclosed that the facility only received Sh33.5 million out of the allocated budget.

The committee conducted a fact-finding mission following public outcry, revealing that the radiology department has been non-operational for the last six months due to conflicts between the county and national government.

Committee chairman Adhan Odowa expressed concern over the hospital's financial dependence and harsh working conditions for staff, lacking insurance policies and facing poor conditions.

Nominated MCA Khadija Idriss Mohamed addressing journalists. (Abdimalik Hajir)

Nominated MCA Khadija Idriss Mohamed emphasized the hospital's dire state, vowing to address the matter through oversight roles.

This hospital does not have an autonomous system financially, and staff are working very harshly without insurance policy and poor condition," she said.

"This hospital is in a sorry state and this committee will take up this matter and do our oversight role as required," she added.

The committee plans to question the executive regarding the inadequate allocations and demand for autonomy for the hospital. They also highlighted the demotivation among healthcare providers due to the lack of promotions in the last eight years.

Baraki ward representative Hasan Geley acknowledged some positive changes but noted ongoing challenges, including non-functional beds in the renal unit due to expired medical equipment leases.

Hasan further cited issues with non-operational ICU theatres, attributing the problem to the national government's termination of lease agreements.

The committee expressed shock over the hospital's lack of medical supplies since October, considering its role as a referral centre for sub-counties and refugee camps.

The committee, consisting of various members, expressed concerns about the hospital's condition, demanding urgent action from the county executive.

The committee were comprised of Adhan Hussein Duro (Jaraja), Abdirahman Muktar Ali (Ijara), Abubakar Haji Sugow (Waberi) Khadija Idriss (Nominated), Mohamed Sheikh (Labasigale), Hajir Mahat (Maalimin) Ahmed Seik Liboi), Musdaf Abdirashd (Iftin), Ayan Weyra (Nominated), Fatuma Shide (Nominated).

In response, Garissa County Health Executive member Ahmednathir Omar stated that the committee's allegations had not been officially communicated to him, refusing to respond to hearsay.