The primary care networks aim to bring healthcare closer to the people, especially those in remote areas who have limited access to healthcare facilities through the establishment of hubs, mini hubs, and spokes, therefore ensuring that essential healthcare services are within the reach of every resident.

These were the sentiments of Health Services County Executive Committee Member, Dr Abraham Serem, during a meeting with the health management team where he emphasized that the primary care networks will be designed to cater to the specific needs of each community.

” The community health promoters will be trained to assess and address the healthcare needs of their assigned households and equipped with the necessary skills to provide basic healthcare services, such as vaccinations, health education, and preventive care,” said Dr Serem.

The CECM added that this approach is expected to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities and improve access to healthcare services for the residents by bringing healthcare closer to the people thus ensuring that medical attention is readily available when needed, without the need for patients to travel long distances.

“In addition to providing essential healthcare services the primary care networks will also focus on health promotion and disease prevention by educating the households on healthy living practices, including proper nutrition, personal hygiene, and sanitation, therefore, encouraging the residents to participate in regular health screenings and immunizations,” added Dr Serem.

On her part, Clinical Services Chief Officer Dr Joyce Sang noted that the establishment of primary care networks is part of the Uasin Gishu County Government’s commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of its residents, adding, that by focusing on preventive care and bringing healthcare closer to the people, Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration aims to reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases and improve the overall health outcomes in the County.

According to Promotive and Preventive Health Chief Officer Dr Paul Wangwe, the Department of Health Services is currently working on the logistics and infrastructure required to implement the primary care networks assuring the County Health Management Team that adequate resources will be allocated to ensure the success of this initiative.

The primary care networks will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in Uasin Gishu County, therefore, the need to prioritize preventive care.