Taita Taveta hospitals receive much-needed medical supplies

The arrival of essential medical supplies valued at over Sh43 million brings relief to Taita Taveta County's residents.

The batch, delivered by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), addresses the significant shortage of medicine that has been affecting local health facilities.

Health Services Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) Gifton Mkaya confirmed that by Friday evening, all four sub-county healthcare facilities were contributing to better health outcomes for residents.

Mkaya emphasised that the county government has renewed its commitment to working closely with KEMSA, ensuring more frequent deliveries in the future.

"A positive working relationship with KEMSA has resulted in improved service delivery across our medical facilities. Even the more remote facilities have received their supplies," Mkaya said.

He added that the renewed partnership includes a new agreement allowing the county to procure drugs and non-pharmaceutical commodities more efficiently.

Some of the essential medical supplies valued at Sh43 million were being offloaded from a truck. The medical supplies will help address the medical shortage in the county. Photo: Handout

Mkaya disclosed that the county government placed a larger Sh9.1 billion ( $70 million) order in addition to the recent delivery.

He expressed his satisfaction with KEMSA's pledge to offer credit facilities to the county when necessary.

"I have talked to my finance colleague and agreed to prioritise payments for health commodities to ensure consistent supply to our facilities," Mkaya said.

Violet Mkamburi, the County Chief Officer (CCO) for Health Services, has urged health facility staff to ensure proper storage and management of the new supplies.

She emphasised the importance of maintaining the quality of the NI and addressing any potential issues promptly.

"I will visit the facilities to inspect the storage conditions of the drugs and ensure they are being tracked accurately. I will also speak to patients about their experiences to ensure the medications are being dispensed effectively," Mkamburi stated.

Some of the essential medical supplies valued at Sh43 million being offloaded from a truck. The medical supplies will help address the medical shortage in the county. Photo: Handout

She highlighted that the county is making efforts to stabilise the supply chain and mitigate drug shortages in healthcare facilities.

She stated that the county administration has been instrumental in supporting the healthcare sector through resource allocation and infrastructure improvements.

"The health officers' work becomes easier when the necessary drugs are available in hospitals. We are grateful for the governor's efforts, including the recent upgrades to our CT scan at Moi County Referral Hospital," Violet added.

A resident, Faith Ngambai, expressed relief at the news saying it is a great development for the community.

"I hope that these supplies will help reduce the frequent shortages we have been facing," she said.

Another resident, Peter Mokaya, echoed Ngambai's sentiments.

"I have seen firsthand how the lack of medicine has impacted many people. The new supply is a welcome change and will hopefully make a big difference, he said.