Turkana: The Turkana County Government has introduced a new health funding plan that will channel direct funding to health facilities' accounts. This initiative aims to bolster the delivery of quality health services in alignment with the Governor's health agenda.
According to Kenya News Agency, the announcement was made by Dr. Esekon Joseph Epem, the County executive committee member for Health and Sanitation Services, during a visit to Lopiding Hospital. Dr. Epem revealed that the funding model is set to be implemented in the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. He instructed all facility-in-charges to initiate the requisition process by preparing and submitting the necessary documentation.
Dr. Epem emphasized that this strategic move by the County Government, under Governor Lomorukai's leadership, is designed to address financing challenges that impede the delivery of quality primary health care services. Under the new plan, Sh 65 million will be allocated to sub-county hospitals, while rural health facilities will receive Sh 44 million. Dispensaries not included in this allocation will be supported through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) programme.
The funds will be distributed through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) model to support routine operations and enhance service delivery. Dr. Epem issued a warning against the misuse of funds, stating that strict measures will be taken against any deviations from the established legal frameworks.
In addition to the new funding model, the County Government intends to operationalize over 50 health facilities in sub-counties that have remained underutilized due to staffing shortages. Newly recruited staff will be deployed to these facilities as part of integrating them into the funding model.
During his visit to Lopiding, Dr. Epem instructed the hospital management to convert an existing building into a mortuary. He noted that families in Lokichoggio currently travel over 250 kilometers to Lodwar for morgue services, a financial burden the County aims to alleviate by repurposing the facility for the residents' benefit.