Mulele Level 3 Hospital commissioned to boost healthcare access in Vihiga
By Victor Zedy and Rose Wasike (KNA)
The Government, in partnership with the Vihiga County Government and health stakeholders, has commissioned Mulele Level 3 Hospital in Lugaga Ward, Vihiga County aiming at bringing quality healthcare services closer to residents.
The facility, formerly operating as Mulele Dispensary, has been upgraded to a 32-bed Level 3 hospital to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and newborn services and support the Government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda at the grassroots.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare services across the country.
Dr Oluga commended the local community, Vihiga County Government and development partners for supporting the transformation of the facility from a small dispensary staffed by a single healthcare worker into a fully operational hospital.
He said the development demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the national and county governments in advancing the country’s UHC agenda.
“Mulele Level 3 Hospital is not just a health facility; it is a symbol of our Universal Health Coverage agenda, a source of pride for this community and a foundation for a healthier and more productive Vihiga County,” Dr Oluga said.
The facility will offer outpatient and inpatient services, maternal and newborn healthcare, specialised clinics and emergency services.
He urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying increased registration would enhance access to healthcare while reducing the financial burden of seeking treatment.
The PS said SHA registration would also strengthen healthcare financing through the Primary Healthcare Fund and other SHA-supported programmes, enabling health facilities to improve service delivery.
Dr Oluga said eligible primary healthcare services offered at Level 3 facilities are provided free of charge, with facilities reimbursed through the Primary Healthcare Fund.
He also highlighted Government efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare services through the recently launched 922 emergency response line and the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre.
Vihiga County Governor Dr Wilberforce Khasilwa Ottichilo said resources had been mobilised to procure modern medical equipment for the facility, noting that residents, particularly expectant mothers, would no longer need to travel long distances to access essential healthcare services.
He announced plans by the county government to acquire additional land adjacent to the facility to pave the way for construction of a surgical theatre.
The Governor said the move would enable the facility to attain Level 3A status and expand the range of medical services available to residents.