Travelling long distances for Emuhaya residents is now a thing of the past after Vihiga Governor officially opened an operation theatre at Emuhaya Sub County Hospital.

The theatre will now ease pressure on the surgery facility at the County Referral Hospital in Mbale. On a daily basis, three people are referred to Vihiga County Referral Hospital in Mbale.

Speaking at the launch, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said his government is committed to improving healthcare provision to Vihiga people. "In my manifesto I promised to upgrade Emuhaya hospital to a Sub County level Four status, I am happy that this dream has come to pass", said the Governor. " There were a lot of challenges at this facility like lack of adequate power supply due to the 2-phase line that was here, I am happy that after my intervention the line was changed to a 3-phase", he added. A standby generator has been installed at the facility to mitigate power shortages.

The operation theatre installed has the capacity of conducting simple and complex procedures including emergency operations.

Emuhaya Sub County Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joel Edalia said the theatre will help in giving residents the much needed services. " I am putting notice to our County Referral Hospital in Mbale, to be ready for healthy competition regarding surgical operations", said Dr. Edalia.

The Governor urged Vihiga residents to be proactive in supporting his administration so as to deliver on the promises made. He urged youths to constructively use social media for edification.

Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has told the newly appointed County Public Service Board members to put their best foot forward and deliver to the people of Vihiga.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of the board members at the County headquarters Ottichilo said he was happy the board is finally in place.

"I thank the County Assembly for the good job, I am optimistic that the board is going to transform human resource in Vihiga," Dr. Ottichilo said.

The five member board was appointed following the expiry of the first Vihiga County Public Service Board early this year. The members of the board include; Amb. Frankline Esipila, Mark Alulu Siro, Vincent Mmaitsi, Catherine Idalia and Dr. Josiah Aketch.

The board's chairman Amb. Frankline Esipila pledged that they will do all that pertains the service board and work with dedication for proper service delivery. "We thank the Governor for having confidence in us and we will work to held him deliver on his mandate," Esipila noted.

Vihiga County Assembly Public Service Committee Chair Gladys Analo urged the new board to embrace equality and also enhance fairness in their discharge of duties.

The swearing in is a culmination of a process that began in May 2019, with over 200 applicants showing interest in the advertised positions. Out of the 200, 15 were shortlisted in a recruitment process that was conducted by an independent Human Resource firm. The 15 names were forwarded to the Governor for consideration where he selected six names for vetting by the County Assembly. After the rigorous vetting exercise, only five out the six names were approved by the Assembly.