On Wednesday 5th KMA Kisii Division Executive Council board members led by Chair Dr. David Okinyi, paid a courtesy call to the Nyamira County Governor's Office to discuss health matters and collaboration with the County Government in areas focused on promoting quality healthcare in line with KMA’s mandate. The visit aimed to foster a productive dialogue between the medical community and the county Government leadership to address various healthcare issues.
Present at the meeting H.E. Amos Nyaribo, Governor of Nyamira County expressed his appreciation for the KMA Kisii Division Council's commitment to public health. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect and collaboration, setting the stage for a fruitful discussion.
Recognizing the Governor's dedication to public service, the KMA Kisii council presented a set of collaborative strategies and policy recommendations to address the identified healthcare challenges which included:
- Policy and Legislative guidance of the Government and Ministry of Health/Department of Health.
- Continuous Professional Development through CMEs, Scientific Conferences, Research (EAMJ), and Symposium
- Mentorship of Young Doctors and Students
- To promote a healthy doctor–doctor relationship
- Create an environment that promotes mental health for doctors
- Provide negotiated products to doctors e.g. ABSA multicurrency card, Indemnity covers (KMA-Madisons; KMA-AAR), SACCO, Housing projects, and Land
- Collaboration with investors and institutions to support the community in various sectors of health e.g. RH through the World Bank, Covid–19 training through EQUITY Bank, etc
- Liaise with other medical Associations around the world within the World Medical Association
- The KMA KISII Division has had its members taking leadership in various committees within the KMA National Governing Council E.g. Treasurer General, Committee of Trustees, Human Rights, Managed Health Care, and YDN
Governor H.E. Amos Nyaribo and the Nyamira County Government leadership expressed their gratitude for the meeting and recognized the urgent need to address the healthcare issues outlined. They conveyed their commitment to working closely with the KMA Kisii Council to develop a synergistic approach that encompassed the proposed strategies and policy recommendations by
- The Governor Assured the association that he will continue engaging doctors in leadership
- Support Doctors' professional development including approval for Masters studies, but requested the Health leadership to focus on the County's Needs in terms of specialties
- Health Leadership promised to fast-track the stalemate on promotions
- Governor Promised to have a meeting with all doctors before September to listen to grievances from Doctors and the same doctors to listen to his "CRY"
- KMA Kisii Division to organize a meet-up with Nyamira County Doctors before the August/September meeting with Governor to ensure Doctors in Leadership and the rest of the doctors are on the same page
The courtesy call from KMA Kisii Division Council to the Governor's Office concluded on an optimistic note, with both parties recognizing the importance of collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges. The meeting served as a stepping stone toward a stronger partnership between the medical community and the county leadership, driven by a shared goal of improving the health and well-being of the citizens. With a collective commitment to action, it was evident that positive changes lay ahead for the healthcare system, guided by the expertise and dedication of the KMA Kisii Division Council and the Governor's Office. By fostering open lines of communication and collaboration, the visit set the stage for a brighter and healthier future for the county's population.