Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has urged the National Government to urgently release Social Health Authority (SHA) funds owed to counties, warning that delays in disbursement could undermine efforts to improve healthcare delivery and achieve universal health coverage.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday while commissioning the newly established Mumbuni Dispensary in Mumbuni North Ward, a facility expected to bring healthcare services closer to more than 32,000 residents of Lower Kiandani, Mung’ala and Kasinga sub-locations.
Wavinya said county governments require timely remittances from the SHA to effectively plan, strengthen health systems and ensure uninterrupted provision of quality and affordable medical services.
“As we continue to encourage residents to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA), I also call upon the National Government to remit SHA funds owed to County Governments without delay. This will enable counties to effectively plan, strengthen healthcare delivery, and ensure uninterrupted provision of quality and affordable medical services to our people,” she said.
Her remarks come amid growing concerns among county governments over delays in the release of health funds, with governors arguing that the situation is straining healthcare operations and affecting service delivery in public facilities.
The governor spoke during the commissioning of Mumbuni Dispensary, a fully equipped and stocked health facility established to address longstanding challenges faced by residents seeking medical care.
For years, residents of Mumbuni North Ward have been forced to travel long distances to access treatment at Machakos County Referral Hospital and Mutituni Level 4 Hospital, often spending considerable time and resources to obtain healthcare services.
According to Wavinya, the new dispensary has already attended to more than 13,000 patients since it began operations, highlighting the demand for healthcare services within the area.
She said the facility has been equipped with essential medicines and medical supplies to ensure residents can access treatment closer to their homes.
The governor noted that the dispensary will not only improve access to healthcare but will also help decongest major referral facilities by handling common illnesses and primary healthcare needs at the community level.
“The new facility will help decongest referral hospitals, improve access to timely and affordable healthcare, and ensure residents can conveniently receive essential medical services within their locality,” she said.
Wavinya added that the project is part of her administration’s broader plan to strengthen primary healthcare services across the county and move closer to achieving universal health coverage.
She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical personnel and essential services to ensure residents receive quality healthcare regardless of where they live.
The commissioning of Mumbuni Dispensary marks another step in Machakos County’s efforts to expand healthcare access and reduce the burden on referral hospitals by bringing services closer to communities.
