The Chairperson of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Board, Kembi Gitura has castigated reports on alleged corruption in the authority saying they lack merit.
Kembi said there are facts which can exonerate the authority from what he termed as misreporting alleging the authority has been rocked by various forms of corruption.
Speaking at Kiriaini Mission hospital on Tuesday where he donated Personal Preventive Equipment (PPEs), the chairman said soon all facts will be known and people will get reality about operations of KEMSA.
He said the government’s agency entrusted to sell medical supplies to public hospitals has performed better despite numerous challenges.
Kembi however said there have been some loopholes in operations of the authority which the board is working to eliminate so as to improve service delivery.
In the recent past, KEMSA has been put under scrutiny after reports indicate misappropriation of funds and hiking of medical supplies.
“What I don’t want to see is un-factual reporting about KEMSA. Facts are there and they can be provided anytime needed but let’s not entertain false reports,” said Kembi.
He noted that during this time the country is faced by covid-19 pandemic, KEMSA is at the forefront to support government’s measures towards the fight of the pandemic.
The former Murang’a Senator called for collaboration between the government and private and mission health facilities so as to enhance fight against coronavirus.
He said mission hospitals which complement government’s work on provision of better health care should be supported especially this time cases of Covid-19 in the country are increasing.
The chairperson was accompanied by former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau who is chairman of Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority and former Murang’a deputy governor, Gakure Monyo.
Meanwhile, Kembi observed that a multiagency taskforce has been formed to map out all medical facilities in counties so as to check on preparedness in fight of covid-19 and provision of universal health care.
He noted the taskforce is expected to report back within a short time as the government is committed to fight the pandemic and roll out universal health care countrywide.
Kamau on his part called for support of mission and private hospital from the government, saying the facilities offer services to Kenyans.
The former Kigumo MP said faith-based hospitals usually play a great role in complementing the government’s role in providing health care to Kenyans.
He however cautioned Kenyans not to ignore guidelines given by the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of coronavirus.
“From the look of things, some Kenyans have become reluctant in adhering to protocols of the Ministry of health. I appeal to everybody to strictly observe the guidelines so as to control the spread of this disease,” added Kamau.
By Bernard Munyao
