Lodwar – 10th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Sub-county hospitals across Turkana have received a new four to six months supply of drugs and non-pharmaceuticals to ensure the continuity of quality healthcare services.

This supply comes in response to declining stock levels and shortages of some essential drugs. The timely delivery will assist to minimize disruption to the provision of quality healthcare services.

The sub-county hospitals across Turkana —Lopiding, Kakuma, Kakuma Mission, Lorugum, Kanamkemer, Elelea, Kaikor, Lokichar, Katilu, Kapedo and Lokori — have received their consignments from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

The entire KEMSA consignment for the all county health facilities (sub-county hospitals, health centres and dispensaries) is worth Sh119 Million.

The Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr Ezekiel Etelej, inspected the consignment delivered to Kanamkemer Sub-county Hospital. While at the other hospitals, various stakeholders participated in the inspection; board members, county and national administration and community members.

Dr Etelej stated that his department, through the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, would ensure consistent availability of medical supplies in all county government owned health facilities.

“The medical services department will continue working closely with KEMSA as outlined in the MoU. We will also ensure that health centres and dispensaries receive their consignments of essential drugs and other supplies by the end of next week,” he said.

The MoU between the County and KEMSA stipulates that the national government agency deliver supplies down to the “last mile.” Thus, they will ensure delivery to the remaining health facilities.