Senate Health committee raise concerns over critical facility gaps, during oversight visit in lamu

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𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Senate Committee on Health has raised concerns over critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure following an oversight visit to King Fahd Referral Hospital and Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital in Lamu County.

The visit forms part of the Committee’s constitutional mandate to assess the status of healthcare service delivery, infrastructure, and resource utilization in public health facilities across the country.

During the inspection, the Committee noted several shortcomings at King Fahd Referral Hospital, including the absence of a mortuary. Senators expressed concern that the nearest mortuary facility is located approximately 50 kilometres away at Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital, forcing grieving families to transport the bodies of their loved ones over long distances.

“It is deeply painful that King Fahd Referral Hospital does not have a mortuary. When families lose their loved ones, they are forced to travel all the way to Mpeketoni. This is a matter that must be addressed urgently,” said Tabitha Mutinda.

Lamu Senator Kamau Githuku echoed the concern, noting that while the county respects religious diversity, the presence of a mortuary facility remains necessary to serve all residents.

“We must respect the religious diversity in Lamu, but we also have Christian communities who require mortuary services. Establishing a mortuary at King Fahd Hospital is therefore essential,” he stated.

Senator Tabitha Mutinda also observed that the standard of maternity services in the two facilities remains low, a situation that may be discouraging women from seeking maternal healthcare and delivering in health facilities within the county.

At the same time, the Senator commended Lamu County for promoting women’s participation in the health workforce, urging female staff to continue discharging their duties with professionalism and dedication.

Meanwhile, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka called on the county government to move with speed in addressing the identified challenges, emphasizing that county administrations have the capacity and responsibility to improve healthcare services for citizens.

The lawmakers further noted additional challenges, including the lack of an incinerator, inadequate staff welfare, shortages of hospital linen, and instances of conflict of interest that may negatively affect service delivery to residents of Lamu County.

Responding to the concerns, Lamu Deputy GovenorMbarakBhajaj informed the Committee that delays in reimbursement under the Social Health Authority (SHA) remain a major challenge affecting county health facilities. He assured the Senators that the county government has taken note of the gaps raised and is working towards addressing them.

The Committee is expected to retreat to compile its findings and recommendations before tabling a comprehensive report in the Senate.