Health services in Kisii County received a major boost with the acquisition of 10 state of the art ambulances.

The nine sub- counties will have one ambulance each with one stationed at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH).

Speaking during the launch of the ambulances at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Governor James Ongwae reiterated his government quest to improve provision of healthcare in the county. He said that the ambulances will improve patient transfers within and outside the county.

“Provision of Healthcare for our people has been my core function. Patients within the county will be transferred to the various Health facilities at no cost. Only referrals outside the county will be charged at a subsidized amount,” added Ongwae.

The governor reiterated his commitment to improvement of health to the people.

“We now have a fully equipped ambulatory service that will go a long way in improving and delivering the health services in the county. The ambulances are fitted with state of the art equipment complimented by a well-trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) to attend to emergency needs of patients en route to hospital,” said Ongwae.

The ambulances have complete radio call systems for easier communication and coordination and will help in reducing the response time to less than 30 minutes within the county.

Present at the ceremony was Deputy Joash Maangi, who said Kisii County was keen at implementing its manifesto; key among its promises was provision of effective Health services.

Others were County Director of Medical Services Dr. Geoffrey Otomu, KTRH CEO Dr. Enoch Ondari, County Assembly majority party leader, Protus Moindi, County Assembly Committee on Health Chair Wilfred Monyenye his deputy George Bibao, Pius Abuki among others.

Last week, the County Government purchased drugs worth Sh. 24 million from Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) to all its health facilities. The County Government spends half of its annual budget on health.