By REUBEN OLITA
April 15, 2026| The Busia County Government has rolled out Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) machines in a major step toward improving early disease detection and strengthening the county’s referral system. The portable devices, launched Tuesday at Malaba Dispensary grounds, are expected to revolutionize frontline healthcare by enabling real-time diagnosis, particularly for expectant mothers with complications who require urgent referrals.
Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma said the initiative will significantly enhance healthcare delivery across the county. “These machines will help us detect complications early and ensure timely referrals, ultimately saving lives,” he said.
POCUS devices are handheld ultrasound systems used at a patient’s bedside, eliminating the need for conventional radiology visits. Health workers can now diagnose conditions instantly, improving response times in emergencies. Medical experts note that the devices provide immediate results, which is critical in emergencies, and are portable and easy to use in remote settings. Because they use sound waves rather than radiation, they are safe for patients. The machines support diagnosis of multiple conditions, including heart, lung, abdominal, and pregnancy-related complications.
County Director of Medical Services, Dr. Nina Rabare, said the machines will be key in identifying high-risk pregnancies and fetal abnormalities at an early stage. “With bedside ultrasound, we can increase diagnosis rates and streamline referrals in real time,” she said.
Deputy Governor Arthur Odera said the county has already trained the first cohort of healthcare workers to operate the devices through partnerships with AMPATH and Moi University. He noted that Busia’s position as a border county, with busy entry points at Malaba and Busia, makes it particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks. “During COVID-19, 84 percent of infections were concentrated in border areas. Similar trends were seen with HIV/AIDS and Mpox due to cross-border interactions,” Odera said.
Despite the milestone, Malaba Dispensary continues to grapple with staffing and infrastructure gaps. Facility in-charge Emmanuel Okumu revealed that the dispensary lacks a resident radiologist, forcing reliance on external specialists. The facility serves over 25,000 patients, including a significant number from neighboring Uganda. Although gazetted as a Level III facility in 2019, it still operates below capacity due to inadequate infrastructure such as laboratories and inpatient wards, limiting access to Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits.
Members of the County Assembly welcomed the initiative but raised concerns over inefficiencies in public health facilities. Public Health Committee Chair Dalmas Onjole said improved diagnostics will reduce costly and time-consuming referrals. Vice Chairperson Beatrice Akinyi Opwapo criticized absenteeism among healthcare workers. “Patients often find no doctors in facilities, yet they are on the payroll. This must change,” she said. She also raised alarm over rising teenage pregnancies, describing the situation as “deeply concerning.”
Nominated MCA Rose Amoit noted that many expectant mothers previously suffered due to the lack of ultrasound services in most facilities. Health Committee member Mary Odongo called for urgent improvements in facility conditions, describing the current state as “gloomy.” Meanwhile, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), through their secretary Fredrick Etyang, raised concerns over delayed stipends, saying over 400 volunteers are owed four months’ pay.
The Department of Health said the rollout aligns with national frameworks, including the Health Act of 2017 and the Kenya Health Sector Referral Strategy. Officials emphasized that a coordinated referral system will ensure patients receive care at appropriate levels, reduce delays in treatment, and optimize the use of limited health resources.
In a statement, Kiplagat Kotut said the initiative aims to establish a center of excellence in patient care. “We are committed to strengthening healthcare systems through training and innovation,” he said. Senior professors from Moi University, including Robert Tenge, Prisca Musomi, Julia Songok, and Wycliffe Kosgei, attended the launch.
The rollout of POCUS machines marks a significant leap for Busia’s healthcare system, promising faster diagnosis, improved maternal care, and a more efficient referral network, though staffing and infrastructure challenges remain pressing concerns.