Governor Amos Nyaribo has flagged off drugs and commodities worth Sh29.2 million procured from Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to be distributed to various health facilities in Nyamira County.
“My county originally procured drugs and commodities worth Sh38.8 million shillings though KEMSA has managed to supply us drugs worth Sh29.9 million and they have promised that they will supply the remaining batch in due course,” Governor Nyaribo confirmed.
He noted that traders in various chemists have taken advantage of the shortage and during that short period, they have been exploiting vulnerable patients by charging them exorbitant prices for drugs and other medical commodities required for them to receive service in their chemists.
“Health centres and dispensaries in the county will receive drugs worth Sh11.6 million while Nyamira Referral hospital and sub county hospitals will receive drugs worth Sh17.6 million. You are very much aware that healthcare is my number one priority both in my service delivery manifesto and budget allocation to ensure that my people are healthy.
Nyaribo hinted that he will be sending a bill to the County assembly so that monies generated from the sale of drugs will be re-invested in the Drugs Revolving Funds (DRF) kitty so that the fund is used to readily purchase drugs and supply it to patients at subsidized prizes affordable to all levels of clients seeking for services in all the144 health facilities.
Executive Committee Member for Health (CECM) Dr. Donald Mogoi promised that he will ensure the drugs are utilized efficiently so that the people benefit by accessing affordable healthcare services.
“KEMSA has supplied Nyamira County with drugs and medical care commodities three consecutive times and we appreciate their timely service “said the CECM.
By Deborah Bochere
