Health PS advises mothers to give birth in county hospitals

West Pokot, Kenya: Expectant mothers in the semi arid West Pokot County have been advised to seek pre-natal care and deliver in health facilities in order to reduce mother and infant deaths.

Health Principal Secretary Khadija Kassachoon observed that most women in the region deliver at home, posing a great health risk to themselves and their babies.

Ms Kassachoon, who inspected three health facilities in Kapenguria and Pokot Central sub-Counties yesterday said the Health ministry was determined to improve health standards in the country.

"Lack of specialists in health facilities is a national challenge but we are trying our best to tackle it. However, we call on expectant mothers to seek the services of health professionals to curb the mother and child deaths," said Kassachoon, who also hails from the county.

She called on the county government to invest in health facilities so as to attract specialists in the region.

STAFF SHORTAGE

The PS disclosed that the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus that has been under construction in Kapenguria will commence classes on October 7, adding that the institution will increase the number of health workers in the county.

She donated a microscope and drugs to Sigor Health centre.