Kiambu sets up plan for health facilities to manage funds
By Oliver Musembi, May 5, 2023The Kiambu county government has established a Sh400 million Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) which allows health facilities to manage the funds they generate.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi (pictured) says the fund is part of his administration’s efforts to enhance efficiency in service delivery in the health sector.
Wamatangi who spoke after meeting medical superintendents, accountants and procurement heads in all level 4 and 5 facilities at the county headquarters, said the amount grew from negative to Sh400 million in just five months, adding that his plan is to increase it to Sh1 billion by the end of the year.
The FIF is generated from cash and insurance schemes from services given in health facilities and grants from County Revenue Fund (CRF), and it is supposed to help respective hospitals run their operations such as timely purchase of drugs, equipment, renovations, and payment of casual workers among other operation costs.
Previously, the funds were being collected and spent on other county activities away from the health sector, leaving the facilities to grapple with poor infrastructure, faulty equipment, unnecessary delays of services, acute shortage of drugs and congestion.
“My administration is committed to improving health care which previously had a ruined reputation through failed systems. Among other things, we are investing in new infrastructure, modernising existing facilities and availing of modern equipment,” he stated.