Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati on Monday flagged off a consignment of drugs to 133 health facilities across the County. Valued at Sh47 million, the drugs are earmarked for Level II and Level III health facilities in the County.
He said another consignment of drugs worth Sh20 million meant for the 10 Sub county hospitals is expected next week.
The drugs are a result of an arrangement between the County Government of Bungoma and Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). Under the arrangement, KEMSA will be at hand to supply drugs as ordered in the shortest time possible.
Speaking when he flagged off the trucks carrying the drugs, Wangamati said the new arrangement was a milestone towards the Fourth Pillar of Government which is - universal access to health care.
"Through our partnership with KEMSA, we are solving the perennial problem of drug stock-outs in our health facilities usually orchestrated by delays in release of funds from National Treasury," Governor Wangamati said.
He noted that from August last year, the National Treasury was yet to release any funds to Counties meaning normal agreements with private suppliers of drugs would only add to the pending bills besides the fact that not many suppliers could afford such huge credit facilities.
Governor Wangamati called on health officials to guard against any losses and ensure the drugs reach hospitals.
"At the core of my manifesto was a promise to stock up all hospitals and dispensaries. This here is my first step towards revamping health sector in the County."
Health CeC Dr Antony Walela who was present during the flag off said his department had put in place measures to curb drug theft from the health facilities.Among other features, the drugs come already labelled as per destination facility, from KEMSA.
KEMSA acting CEO Fred Wanyonyi said to make sure there is no delays in delivery, the health facilities will now be ordering their stocks online and get delivered within three weeks.