Narok County Governor Patrick Ntutu has flagged off medical supplies and medicine worth Sh. 90 million, for the quarterly allocation, to benefit all the health facilities in the county.
The consignment purchased from Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) will be distributed to the 93 dispensaries, 25 health centers, four level-four hospitals, and one level-five referral hospital in the county.
While distributing the drugs at the Narok County Referral Hospital, Governor Ntutu said his administration had increased the allocation from Sh40 million to Sh90 million in a bid to benefit all the residents in the county.
“During my campaigns, I made a formal pledge and a promise that my government will upgrade and rehabilitate our healthcare to ensure cheap and affordable healthcare for all. Today marks the first major step towards fulfilling this promise,” he said.
The governor was accompanied by Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde, Narok County Police Commander Kizito Mutoro, several heads of departments and a host of Members of the County Assembly.
Ntutu reiterated that no patient will be required to purchase drugs from chemists as the drugs will be adequate in all the health facilities across the county.
“If anyone visits a public health facility and is asked to purchase drugs from chemists or pharmacists, he or she should inform the authority immediately and if it persists, I allow you to hold peaceful demonstrations. This is because my government has purchased enough drugs for all the health centers,” he said.
The first-time governor noted that the governors of neighbouring counties, Kiambu, Bomet and Nairobi had indicated that a high number of Narok residents frequenting their hospitals to seek medical attention, yet there were well-equipped facilities in the county.
“It is with this urgency that I have committed resources to have the remaining sections of the new Level 5 hospital completed by December this year,” he said.
At the same time, Governor Ntutu announced that the county government had hired 126 medical staff who will be deployed in various health facilities in the county.
On his part, Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde commended the governor for the good work saying it will be a big relief to the patients who could not afford to buy medicine from private chemists and pharmacists.
He underscored his commitment to working with the county government to ensure that the drugs purchased do not find their way to private chemists.
“We will continue collaborating with the county government because we are working for the same government,” he said, calling on the members of the public to report any person suspected to be looting the drugs.
By Ann Salaton
