Mulele Level 3 Hospital Commissioned to Expand Healthcare Access in Vihiga
VIHIGA, — Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has commissioned the newly upgraded Mulele Level 3 Hospital in Lugaga-Wamuluma Ward, Vihiga Sub-County, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare services across the country.
Previously operating as Mulele Dispensary, the facility has been upgraded into a 32-bed Level 3 hospital, strengthening primary healthcare services and improving access to essential medical care for thousands of residents.
Dr. Oluga recognised the contribution of the local community, the County Government of Vihiga and development partners in transforming the facility from a small dispensary staffed by a single healthcare worker into a fully operational hospital.
He said the achievement demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the national and county governments in advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
“Mulele Level 3 Hospital is not just a health facility; it is a symbol of our Universal Health Coverage agenda, a source of pride for this community and a foundation for a healthier and more productive Vihiga County,” Dr. Oluga said.
The Principal Secretary noted that Level 3 hospitals play a crucial role in bringing essential healthcare services closer to communities while reducing pressure on referral hospitals.
The hospital will provide outpatient and inpatient care, maternal and newborn health services, specialised clinics and emergency care. Dr. Oluga assured the county government that the Ministry of Health would continue supporting the facility through staffing, equipment and integration into national programmes, including the National Equipment Supply Programme.
He urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority to improve access to healthcare services and reduce the financial burden associated with seeking treatment. Increased registration, he said, would strengthen healthcare financing through the Primary Healthcare Fund and other Social Health Authority-supported programmes while enabling facilities to improve service delivery.
Dr. Oluga reiterated that eligible primary healthcare services offered at Level 3 facilities are provided free of charge, with facilities reimbursed through the Primary Healthcare Fund. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare services through the recently launched 922 emergency response line and the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre.
The Principal Secretary pledged to review a memorandum submitted by local leaders and work with the county government to address the healthcare priorities of Vihiga County residents.
The event was hosted by Vihiga Governor H.E. Dr. Wilber Ottichilo and attended by Deputy Governor Hon. Wilberforce Kitiezo; area Member of Parliament Hon. Ernest Kivai Kagesi; East African Legislative Assembly Member Hon. David Ole Sankok; County Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Hon. Fred Mavisi; Members of the County Assembly; senior Ministry of Health officials; county government officials; healthcare workers; National Government Administration Officers; and members of the local community.