By Christopher Omondi.
Residents of Usoma in Central Kisumu ward, Kisumu County, are raising urgent concerns about the substandard condition of their hospital, which is failing to serve as a reliable health facility. Situated off the Kisumu-Busia Road, this hospital is designated as a level 3 facility according to the Ministry of Health website. However, it is clear to the community that the facility is severely lacking in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure, which significantly restricts its capacity to address only basic illnesses, injuries, and essential preventive care services like vaccinations.
“The Usoma Health Centre does not deserve its level 3 classification, as it is missing critical services such as maternity care and laboratories. The compound is disproportionately large compared to the actual facility, starkly revealing its infrastructural inadequacies. The absence of a medical theatre limits the types of injuries that can be treated, forcing many cases to be referred elsewhere. A shortage of skilled healthcare professionals is crippling service delivery, and the hospital’s closure at night and on weekends is utterly unacceptable. Furthermore, the deplorable state of the road leading to the Kisumu-Busia Road makes it exceedingly difficult for residents to access timely treatment. The limited number of wards and beds severely restricts patient intake, thereby denying countless individuals their right to quality healthcare,” stated Omondi Josh.
The hospital’s lack of official recognition by the Ministry of Health is an outright neglect of the community’s needs, raising serious concerns regarding infrastructure development and public health awareness. The residents demand immediate improvements, particularly for the aging population that relies on efficient health services. “The Ministry of Health is failing this community by prioritizing the management of communicable diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV while neglecting other critical health issues, such as diabetes and arthritis, that predominantly affect the elderly. We call on the County government to take decisive action in supporting the implementation of health policies that will enhance our facilities and programs,” emphasized Daniela Ohanda.
To rectify the situation at Usoma Health Centre, the Kisumu County government must take immediate steps to empower community health volunteers, allocate sufficient resources to primary health care and community health initiatives, and elevate health awareness on healthy practices and disease prevention. This is essential to combat the negative cultural and religious beliefs that hinder access to health services in Usoma.
