How devolution has improved health in Lamu

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy. He says that King Fahd handled 91 maternity cases last month and many mothers were willing to deliver there after the county government renovated and equipped the facility. (PHOTO: FILE/ STANDARD)

With Sh400 million allocated to improve health facilities in Lamu, patients no longer have to travel to Malindi and Mombasa.

King Fahd Hospital, the county referral hospital, stands out as the model in the rehabilitation programme undertaken by the county government two years ago.

Before devolution, most mothers preferred traditional birth attendants or travelling to hospitals in Malindi and Mombasa rather than going to King Fahd because the facility was in a deplorable state.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said King Fahd handled 91 maternity cases last month and many mothers were willing to deliver there after the county government renovated and equipped the facility.

Mpeketoni and Faza hospitals have also received drugs and equipment, including x-ray and laboratory machines. Earlier this year, the national government said it would release Sh200 million to improve health in Lamu.