Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has blamed county governments for the shortage of specialist doctors in County Referral hospitals.
Speaking after she toured of Mwai Kibaki Hospital in Othaya, the CS said counties are allowing doctors to go for specialist training while paying for their services thus creating shortages.
"Kenyans must understand those counties hire doctors and give them study permission. It is imperative that after training they return to serve the counties," she said.
The CS visited the facility following complaints from locals who alleged they were not accessing health services.
At the same time, Nakhumicha directed that the facility should treat patients from the county who are NHIF card holders and also offer emergency services.
"We have talked with this facility management that those with cards will get outpatient services but you must realise that this is a referral hospital that is being groomed by KNH. In a few years it will be turned to Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital once it stands on its own," said Nakhumicha.
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Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga promised the CS support saying the country government will work closely to ensure the facility grows into a referral hospital.