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{
    "id": 991360,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/991360/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 206,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "and maintaining the recommended distance between clearing agents and the drivers. There is also increased self-education to the truckers in the community on COVID-19 transmission and prevention by the county and border healthcare workers. The MoH is also in the process of training volunteer group that will be used to reach out to the truckers and the community. The request for statement also asked whether the MoH has any plans to adequately equip Kochoria Sub-county Hospital with Coronavirus testing equipment and staff protective gear. Kochoria Sub-county Hospital is equipped with one GeneXpert machine, which was initially installed to undertake testing for tuberculosis (TB). However, the machine is also capable of testing for Coronavirus. Its laboratory staff component has five laboratory technologists, four of whom have been trained and have the capability to operate the machine. The equipment, however, requires specialized cartridges to test for the Coronavirus and the Ministry is in the process of acquiring the cartridges that will also operationalize similar equipment in other county and sub- county hospitals across the country. In the initial phase of 56 out of the total 189, Hon. Speaker, such machines will be operationalized countrywide including at Busia County Referral Hospital. In the meantime, the laboratory staff are trained to collect samples that can be shipped to the Busia County Referral Hospital - which is 26 kilometers from the border - for testing. The laboratory in Busia County Referral Hospital has recently been provided with testing kits. Testing will also soon be carried out at Alupe Sub-county Hospital, which is currently an isolation and treatment centre located around 20 kilometers from the border. The Port Health Facility at Malaba Border Point has also been staffed with two laboratory technologists for sample collection at the border point. As regards to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the sub-county hospitals obtain their supplies from the Busia County Referral Hospital. Finally, on what action has been taken by relevant ministries to ensure that frontline medical staff and other personnel manning the Malaba Border Post are adequately trained on detection and handling of Coronavirus cases, all port health officers are trained on disease surveillance tools. This includes a brief history and recording of vital signs such as body temperatures using thermal guns. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been cascaded to the border point on how to detect Covid-19 cases by use of signs and symptoms and how to handle any suspected cases. Any suspected case is then linked to the County Rapid Response Team for isolation and further investigation. The Ministry of Health has trained, at least, three trainers of trainers (ToTs) at each county level on case management and two ToTs on laboratory sample collection, preparation and shipping. Those ToTs have been cascading the training to the rest of the county front-line health workers. The medical professional bodies are in the process of enabling online training through the training portals. In addition, mentorship by the Port Health National Office is currently ongoing at the border points. This goes in line with provision of necessary tools and equipment that is needed for the control. I submit the response and it is signed by the Cabinet Secretary. Last Wednesday, there was an issue that came up and it was a matter of public interest."
}