MUTULA FLAGS OFF 385 BICYCLES FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTERS, LAUNCHES FREE AMBULANCE SERVICES.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday flagged off 385 bicycles for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Thange, Ivingoni-Nzambani, Kikumbulyu South and Kikumbulyu North wards to improve mobility and strengthen the delivery of healthcare services across the county.

Speaking at the Mother and Child Hospital, Governor Mutula said CHPs are the first point of contact within communities and often traverse difficult terrain to reach households.

He noted that the bicycles would enable them to cover more homes, improve response time and enhance the quality of healthcare services at the community level.

The governor said the bicycles were prioritized during last financial year’s public participation forums in the four wards, and encouraged other wards to prioritise similar initiatives in future budget planning.

During the event, Governor Mutula also commissioned free ambulance services for patients referred by clinicians and those requiring emergency medical care.

He said 265 patients have already benefited from the service since July 1st this year.

To strengthen emergency medical response, the county has partnered with the Emergency Medical Kenya Foundation through a programme dubbed Ambulensi, which is installing an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system.

The technology will enable dispatch teams to quickly locate callers requesting emergency services, reducing response time and lowering operational costs.

The county currently has 10 operational ambulances, while two are undergoing repairs. It has also received an additional ambulance from St. John Ambulance, with plans to procure two more units during the current financial year.

The governor was accompanied by Kikumbulyu North MCA Jackson Mbalu, Kikumbulyu South MCA Jades Kalunda, Mavindini MCA Japheth Kimongo, nominated MCAs Elizabeth Muthike and Sarah Mbilo, and County Assembly Clerk Ken Mutuku.