Cabinet approves hiring of 40 new health workers per constituency

By Standard Digital Reporter

Nairobi, Kenya: Cabinet has approved recruitment of 40 new health workers among them 30 nurses in every constituency to boost free maternity services in public hospitals.

In a meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, the Cabinet also directed the National Treasury to ensure funds earmarked for the programme are released on time to enable public health facilities cope with the increased number of users.

It was noted that preference for delivery in public hospitals has risen to 80 per cent from 44 per cent previously.

So far, there has been no deaths reported arising from delivery complications.

The free delivery programme was rolled out in June 1, 2013.

It is one of the pledges made by Jubilee coalition during 2013 election campaigns.