Siaya Governor James Orengo has signed into law the Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescents Health (RMNCA) Act of 2024, ensuring that all emergency medical cases are treated in county health facilities, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

The law, which was passed by the county assembly, cements healthcare as a fundamental right and mandates that no citizen be denied critical emergency services.

It also requires health facilities without the capacity to handle certain cases to make timely referrals instead of detaining patients.

Speaking at the official launch of the law at Siaya Institute of Technology, County Assembly Health Committee Chairman Bernard Adala emphasized its life-saving impact.

“In cases of accidents, for instance, no facility in Siaya will refuse treatment. If they lack the necessary resources, they must refer the patient immediately,” he said.

A key provision of the new law is the establishment of a Reproductive Health Fund, which will be ring-fenced to ensure adequate resources for reproductive and maternal health services.

Adala highlighted that with declining foreign aid, the county must prioritize these services within its own budget.

Cynthia Ndar, a nominated Siaya County Assembly member, praised the legislation as a crucial step in tackling major public health challenges, including teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections, and gender-based violence.

“Siaya’s teenage pregnancy rate stands at 21%, compared to the national average of 15%. This law will help reverse that trend,” she said.

Siaya County Reproductive Health Coordinator Pamela Josephine Anyango added that the Act would enhance skilled birth deliveries and provide a structured approach to addressing reproductive health concerns.

Partners involved in drafting the law, including Science and Wash Network, Kenya (SWANET) and Access to Medicines Platform, lauded the county’s leadership and committed to supporting its implementation.

The new law positions Siaya as a pioneer in ensuring universal access to emergency and reproductive healthcare, reinforcing the county’s commitment to improving public health outcomes.