NGPU October 25, 2024

Major Boost in Drugs and Medical Supplies for Hospitals Across Nakuru

Written by Ruth Magak and James Munyua

Nakuru County has flagged off a consignment of medical supplies worth Ksh 21,266,982. The consignment, dispatched by the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), was officially launched by Deputy Governor H.E. David Kones today and will be distributed to 216 public health facilities across the county. This marks a significant effort to ensure that essential medicines reach Level 2, 3, and 4 health facilities, improving care for thousands of residents.

This first-quarter delivery is part of Nakuru County’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare services, ensuring patients in both urban and rural areas have access to life-saving drugs and treatments. Along with this shipment, non-pharmaceutical supplies valued at Ksh 30,670,558 have also been delivered, further supporting the county’s comprehensive healthcare service delivery goal.

In addition to the essential drugs, non-pharmaceutical supplies worth Ksh 30,670,558 have already been delivered and are set for distribution to health facilities across the county. These supplies are critical for the operation of health centres, providing much-needed materials such as syringes, bandages, and other consumables that support day-to-day patient care.

During his address at the flagging-off ceremony, Deputy Governor Kones emphasized the strategic allocation of essential medicines, noting that some specialized treatments are only available at Level 4 hospitals. “These facilities are equipped to provide a wider range of diagnostic services that guide healthcare providers in managing complex conditions. This ensures patients receive the appropriate care based on their specific needs,” he explained. The Kenya Essential Medicines List (KEML) guides this distribution, ensuring that each facility is stocked according to its capacity.

This first-quarter consignment is just the beginning. The Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) is expected to supply another batch of medicines worth Ksh 22,082,528 in the coming weeks. This next consignment, scheduled for delivery within two to three weeks, will cover the second quarter from October to December, ensuring continuous availability of essential medicines in all county health facilities.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Roselyn Mungai has been actively involved in overseeing the distribution process. Ms Mungai has personally visited facilities such as Bondeni Dispensary (Mithonge), Lanet Health Centre, Ndege Ndimu, and Bondeni Sub-County Hospital to monitor drug deliveries and assess service delivery at the grassroots level. These visits allow her to interact directly with healthcare workers, discussing their challenges and ensuring that any emerging issues are addressed promptly.

“The Department of Health continues to monitor drug deliveries closely through our Health Products and Technology Unit structure. This oversight ensures that health facilities remain well-stocked and that patients can access the medications they need without delay,” Ms Mungai said during one of her visits. She added that this hands-on approach is crucial to maintaining service quality and strengthening healthcare delivery across Nakuru County.

The proactive engagement between the County Health Department, healthcare workers, and community members highlights the county’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare services remain robust, efficient, and accessible to all. With regular oversight and direct feedback from healthcare workers, Nakuru County is paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes, making sure that even the most remote health centres are well-equipped.

County officials reaffirmed the county’s dedication to bolstering healthcare through timely distribution of medical supplies and continuous monitoring of service delivery.

With these efforts, H.E. Governor Susan Kihika’s administration is taking consistent steps toward improving health outcomes for Nakuru residents, ensuring that no patient is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.

Also present at the event were County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura, CECM for Health Services Roselyn Mungai, Chief Officers Joyce Ncece (Public Health) and Dr. Mwangi Murima (Medical Services), along with technical officers from the Department of Health, KEMSA representatives, and other county officials.