Kiambu County will soon be able to streamline and monitor the disbursement and usage of its medical supplies through its county medical stores in Ruiru, which is almost complete.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi said the facility is at 80 per cent completion and is hopeful that it will be operationalised by April.
It will receive and manage medical supplies as well as coordinate their distribution to the 114 health facilities across the county, monitor usage and make timely orders.
Speaking after touring the facility at Ruiru Level Four Hospital, Wamatangi said the facility will cure the problem of unreliable supply of drugs and non-medical supplies, avoid low stock levels or expired drugs, ensure value for money, and promote uninterrupted sustainable health services.
“It will stabilise supplies and predictability of drug usage. Once we receive medical supplies from Kemsa and other dealers, it shall coordinate distribution to our health facilities,” he said.
The governor said a central hospital management system will also be installed at the facility to manage the entire County’s hospital system.
The automated system will monitor medical supplies availability in all county health facilities.
“A medical expert or doctor in Lari, Thika, Kabete, Githunguri or Ruiru will now be able to click on their computer and know what stocks of any type of medicine are available in the central store and any other facility. When the stock levels in their hospitals come down, they will be able to link with other facilities in the county that have the same drug,” he said.
The governor at the same time reiterated the need for Kiambu residents to register with the county’s universal health coverage programme that will see his administration foot the NHIF contributions of most vulnerable people.
He said they target one million residents, and will be able to consolidate the number of those registered in April.
“This is the time for all people to get registered. In April, we shall give cards acceptable in hospitals across all counties in the country for the cover. This is in line with our efforts to revolutionise health care and make it the first in the Country to have true universal healthcare,” he said.
By Muoki Charles
