Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has constituted management committees in all 75 health centres charged with receiving and counterchecking of drugs and pharmaceuticals worth Sh42 million which the county has received.
While flagging off the consignment, Dr. Ottichilo said the health commodities have come in at an opportune time when the predicted El Nino weather phenomenon, which is characterized by cold conditions and hence leading to malaria and respiratory infections, is just about to be experienced.
He said they have constituted management committees in all the health centres and would also monitor the usage of the commodities to avoid unethical practices.
The governor encouraged the residents to register with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) so that they could access health care services without incurring extra charges.
“Acquiring a health insurance scheme would enable every household to access health services without co-payment,” he noted, adding that one cannot always readily have money at hand for emergencies.
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Western Regional Sales and Marketing Officer Lydia Munyasi commended the county government for the partnership that has enabled the residents to meet their health care needs.
She said the Authority is committed to ensuring that the government realizes its goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by availing adequate and quality stocks of medical supplies.
By Sammy Mwibanda
