Health fund disburses Sh143 million to health centres

By Elizabeth Mwai

The Government has kicked off the Health Sector Service Fund (HSSF) by disbursing Sh143 million to 590 health centres.

The money is earmarked for basic operational costs like cleaning the facility, maintenance and outreach services. Public Health Minister Beth Mugo yesterday said the scheme was aimed at decentralising resources in a bid to improve service delivery.

Speaking at the ministry headquarters, Mugo said the fund would especially be important for rural health facilities to ensure that this population receives quality service.

The Director of Technical Services Shahnaaz Sharif said the funded facilities will be expected by end of next year to submit an application of the operations they want to conduct and support awarded based on this needs.

Set criteria

World Bank, GTZ, Danida, US Government and World Health Organisation have funded the programme.

The head of HSSF secretariat Dr Jackson said some health centres did not meet the criteria which included having a management committee who were fully trained to handle the responsibility.

Songa said they would also fund faith-based organisations, which plays a critical role in complementing the Governments effort.