NGPU June 27, 2024

The Success Story of Nakuru County’s Health Products and Technologies Unit

Written by Ruth Magak

Nakuru County stands out among devolved units in Kenya for its effective Health Products and Technology Unit (HPTU), a pivotal entity that ensures seamless coordination and management of health supplies, guaranteeing uninterrupted availability of medicines in hospitals.

The HPTU has significantly improved the coordination of supply chain activities since its establishment in 2021. This enhancement includes bolstered data quality for informed decision-making, enabling timely reporting and optimal stocking levels to prevent drug expiries.

One of the key milestones achieved under this support was Nakuru’s inaugural health product quantification and forecasting exercise. As a result, the county’s inventory management practices have been revolutionized, achieving coverage in 98% of all public health facilities through the HPTU.

During the close-out meeting of the USAID Afya Ugavi project, a meeting was held where County Executive Committee Member for Health, Roselyn Mungai, affirmed the county’s commitment to sustaining these achievements. She highlighted ongoing efforts within the Department of Health to fully automate the drug supply chain, ensuring continuity and efficiency beyond project completion.

“Skills transfer has been a cornerstone of our strategy, facilitated through On Job Training and regular meetings that have fortified commodity security across all health facility tiers,” Ms Mungai emphasized. She reassured continued county support in maintaining these advancements.

The HPTU has also improved order management which is now aligned with national cycles to optimize resource allocation. An alignment following the restructuring of the HPTU under H.E. Governor Susan Kihika’s administration in 2023, aiming to streamline drug management systems with modern automation.

Nakuru County’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through the HPTU underscores its proactive approach to public health management.

Nakuru sets a benchmark for effective healthcare administration in Kenya, ensuring that residents receive quality medical services efficiently and sustainably by leveraging international partnerships and local innovations as stated in H.E. Governor Susan Kihika’s manifesto.