Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has begun distributing assorted medical commodities valued at Sh70 million to health facilities within Kericho County.
During the flagging off ceremony, Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai said equipping health facilities in all the sub-counties with sufficient medical supplies will ensure quality and prompt healthcare services to patients.
Dr. Mutai was optimistic that the medical supplies procured for distribution to health facilities in the county was sufficient to last for the next three months.
“In our routine program, we are doing purchases quarterly and I am happy that we are partnering with KEMSA in a strong way,” said Dr. Mutai.
Speaking to the press at the Kericho Referral Hospital, the governor also mentioned that the County in partnership with the national government had recruited 1600 Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
The promoters, he said, played a pivotal role in implementing the Community Health Strategy, essential for realizing primary healthcare goals, by providing a defined package of preventive and promotive health services to Kenyans at their door steps.
Mutai also announced that Kericho County Referral Hospital had been elevated to a Level 5 Hospital and will begin to operate in that higher level from 20th October 2023.
The governor who inspected the ongoing renovations to give the Hospital a facelift revealed that the Oncology Centre at the facility will soon be equipped to a tune of Sh20 million to facilitate screening and treatment of cancer patients.
“We have health workers who have been trained and equipped with knowledge on how to handle cancer issues and we will launch the oncology Centre soon so that cancer patients can benefit locally instead of seeking medical attention from neighbouring counties” added Dr. Mutai.
By Kibe Mburu
