Nyandiwa Level 4 Hospital in Homa Bay County has dismissed claims that the Social Health Authority (SHA) disbursed funds to a non-existent facility, clarifying that it indeed received Sh20 million from the agency.
The hospital, located in Nyandiwa trading centre, Gwassi North Ward, Suba South Constituency, was at the centre of confusion after earlier reports alleged that SHA had sent the funds to Nyandiwa Health Centre in West Kamagak, Kasipul.
According to the medical officer in charge, Dr. Fredrick Owino, the hospital received the money directly into its bank account, which still operates under the name Nyandiwa Dispensary. He explained that the account name has remained unchanged since the hospital was elevated to Level 4 in 2022, which may have led to the misunderstanding.
“We are also aware of the confusion but would like to clarify that we received the money. Our facility has quite a number of people who use SHA, and we get funds from the agency,” Owino said.
The hospital plans to channel the funds into development projects, including the establishment of fully integrated outpatient and inpatient units to improve service delivery. These facilities are expected to expand maternal and child health services, as well as surgical capacity.
“At the moment, we can conduct minor surgeries but have to refer complex cases such as caesarean sections to other hospitals. Our vision is to be able to offer most of the services that people around here need,” Owino added.
Board of management chairperson, Zadock Aloo, said the hospital is guided by annual and five-year development plans. “We have major infrastructural projects underway, and teamwork among staff has been central to our progress,” he noted.
The benefits of SHA are already evident to patients. On Friday, resident Jane Sugu was admitted with stomach discomfort and later diagnosed with typhoid, attributed to drinking untreated lake water. After receiving treatment, she expressed relief, saying, “All my medical bills have been taken care of by SHA.”
The clarification by Nyandiwa Level 4 Hospital underscores the importance of accurate reporting in safeguarding the reputation of both the facility and the Social Health Authority.
