Turkana to assume control of two Red Cross, IRC-owned hospitals
The facilities in question are the Natukubenyo Health Centre located in Kalobeyei and the Locherengamor Dispensary in Kakuma.
The Turkana government is set to assume management of two hospitals currently owned and operated by the Kenya Red Cross Society and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
The facilities in question are the Natukubenyo Health Centre located in Kalobeyei and the Locherengamor Dispensary in Kakuma.
During the transition process, Health Executive Joseph Epem held discussions with an IRC delegation, headed by Country Director Mohamed El Montassir Hussein, to review progress and ensure continued support from IRC.
Epem expressed enthusiasm about the progress made in transferring the facilities to the county government and pledged to work towards maintaining their smooth operation.
Joshua Rutto, the IRC field coordinator, noted that Turkana County has been collaborating closely with IRC on various initiatives, including water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, primary healthcare services, food aid, disease monitoring, and women’s empowerment projects.
The county is currently looking for a partner to help upgrade Natukobenyo Level 3 Hospital to a Level 4 facility by adding inpatient wards and enhancing the hospital’s theatre.
For sustainability, Epem emphasized that it would be ideal for IRC to hand over the facility along with financial resources to ensure ongoing support for both the refugee and local communities.
"Going forward, there will be budgets and plans dedicated to the two hospitals," added the health official.
Turkana County currently operates 13 public hospitals, 19 health centers, and 177 dispensaries.
IRC country director Hussein stated that the organization would assess the kind of support needed by the county government to keep the hospitals running effectively.
"IRC is committed to collaborating with the county to guarantee the hospitals continue serving Turkana’s residents efficiently," he said.
Epem confirmed that both hospitals have officially been designated as county health facilities.
Hussein further stressed that to facilitate a seamless transition, all challenges and potential issues must be addressed following the Ministry of Health’s guidelines.
He emphasized the need for clear guidance on the correct process for handing over the facilities.
Epem urged for the registration of over 300,000 residents in Kakuma refugee camps under the Social Health Authority program.
