Lopiding- August 1, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government has introduced a new health funding plan that will see health facilities receive direct funding to their accounts. This is aimed at strengthening the delivery of quality health services in line with the Governor’s health agenda.

This was announced by CECM for Health and Sanitation Services Dr Esekon Joseph Epem during a working visit to Lopiding Hospital.

Dr Epem stated that the funding model will take effect in the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. He directed all facility-in-charges to begin the requisition process by preparing and submitting the necessary documentation.

“This is a deliberate move by the County Government under the leadership of Governor Lomorukai to overcome financing challenges that hinder delivery of quality primary health care services,” added Dr Epem.

Under the new plan, Kshs 65 million will be distributed among sub-county hospitals, while rural health facilities will share Kshs 44 million. Dispensaries not included in this allocation will receive support through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) program.

Dr Epem further explained that the funds will be disbursed through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) model to support routine operations enhancing service delivery.

The CECM also warned against misuse of the funds, adding that firm action would be taken against those found deviating from the provided legal frameworks.

In addition to the financing model, the County Government plans to operationalize more than 50 health facilities in the sub-counties that have remained underutilized due to staffing gaps.

The CECM noted that the newly recruited staff will be posted to the facilities as part of the operationalization plan to integrate them into the funding model.

While at Lopiding, the CECM also directed the hospital management to convert one of its existing buildings to a mortuary.

“Families in Lokichoggio have to travel over 250 kilometres to Lodwar for morgue services. That’s a huge financial burden we can ease by re-purposing the already existing building to a mortuary. The process should commence immediately for the benefit of the residents,” he said.