Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has called for urgent investment in healthcare infrastructure in Jomvu Sub-County, citing severe shortages that he said continue to compromise service delivery and emergency response.
Speaking during a free medical camp organised by his office in Vikobani, Jomvu, the senator said the sub-county lacks a Level Four hospital and has no functional ambulance, forcing residents to rely on private facilities or travel long distances for emergency care.
Faki said Jomvu, which serves as a key entry point into Mombasa County, remains ill-equipped to handle emergencies such as road accidents and industrial incidents, despite its strategic location along major transport corridors.
“There is no ambulance in Jomvu Sub-County. In emergencies, patients are taken to private facilities in Mikindani or referred to Port Reitz or Coast General,” he said, calling for at least two ambulances to be stationed in Mikindani and Miritini.
The senator also raised concerns over overcrowding and limited space in existing public health facilities, including the CDF hospital and Jomvu Model Health Centre, noting that some facilities serve large populations but lack adequate infrastructure to expand services.
He cited poor maternity conditions during a visit to one facility earlier this year, where he observed unsafe delivery beds that he said posed risks to both mothers and newborns.
Faki further highlighted staffing challenges within the county health department, saying some healthcare workers have gone for more than 10 years without promotion, leading to low morale and burnout due to staff shortages.
“Some workers are doing the work of two people, working long hours without relief, which affects the quality of care,” he said.
The senator urged the county government to prioritise health funding, noting that Mombasa County is set to receive sh8.5 billion following recent Senate approvals. He said the funds should be directed toward improving healthcare services, expanding facilities, and equipping hospitals to meet local demand.
Faki also encouraged residents to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying increased enrolment would boost funding to public health facilities through the Facility Improvement Fund, enabling hospitals to purchase medicines and improve services.
The free medical camp was organised in partnership with Jomvu Youth Network, the Sub-County Ministry of Health, Bomu Hospital, Dr.Agarwals, and other health stakeholders.