Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale inspected the Balambala Sub-County Hospital project to reaffirm government commitment to healthcare. This followed Garissa Governor Nathif Jama's recent comments questioning the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority.
Duale toured the Balambala site in Garissa County on June 13. He said the 150-bed facility, now 70 per cent complete, will be upgraded to a Level 5 hospital.
He noted the centre will provide specialised outpatient and inpatient services, surgery, maternity and newborn care. "The completion of the Balambala Hospital will not only be a milestone for Garissa County and the larger North Eastern region but also a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage," Duale stated.
Governor Jama was seen giving an ailing woman KSh1,000 and directing her to a private clinic, saying "there is no SHA here." Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein criticised the governor for failing to improve public hospitals.