The County Government of Machakos has distributed assorted medical supplies worth Sh50 million to various hospitals within the County.
Speaking, while flagging-off the medical supplies at the Machakos Level Five Referral Hospital, Machakos Deputy Governor (DG), Eng Francis Maliti, said that the distribution of the supplies from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) is a reprieve to the residents, as it will help reduce cost of services in those hospitals.
Eng Maliti who is also the Chief Executive Member (CECM) for Finance said that the supplies which include drugs, lab reagents and personal protective equipment such as gloves among other items, are expected to last for two to three months.
“I can now confirm that the lack of medical equipment and drugs, which has been experienced in the recent past, will be a thing of the past,” said Eng. Maliti.
The DG confirmed that that the supplies will be distributed to all Machakos County dispensaries and health centers within a week.
Last month, the County Government of Machakos in partnership with KEMSA dispatched drugs worth Sh41 million around Machakos County Hospitals to reduce the cost of drugs and other medical necessities.
This was revealed during the opening of Maendeleo Chap Chap Office in Kangundo town, where the DG pointed that Sh6 million had been allocated to the Kangundo Level 4 hospital for purchase of drugs, laboratory reagents as well as other medical necessities.
Eng Maliti said that Sh35 million had been set aside for drugs, lab reagents among other medical necessities for other government health facilities across the County, including the Machakos Level 5 Referral and the Matuu Level 4 hospital.
He explained that the idea behind the county allocating funds to buy medical supplies was basically to reduce the medical cost incurred by the residents, especially individuals who could not afford drugs from private health facilities.
Eng Maliti, however, cautioned that no one should be found selling drugs provided by the government. He asked Machakos Health Minister to be on the lookout for anyone who may sell the drugs to patients, adding that it should be treated as a crime and the suspect should face the law.
The residents of Kangundo expressed their gratitude and applauded the County Government for ensuring that they are able to access Covid-19 vaccines at the nearest health facilities.
This came barely a month after the residents complained about scarcity of drugs and other medical necessities in government hospitals, which had led to high costs of medication.
By Rachael Kilonzo
