Governor Bii increases budget for drugs to Sh350 million

The county has spent Sh240 million to buy drugs in 2024-25 financial year, but the allocation will now be increased to to Sh350 million to ensure all health facilities get adequate supplies from the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa).

Kemsa will supply the drugs directly to each of the 138 county hospitals.

Health chief officer Paul Wangwe said Bii is keen to further strengthen health services with other essentials along with improved staffing.

“Moving forward, we have planned to have all our hospitals stock enough medical requirements so we do not experience shortages and to ensure our people get services round the clock,” he said.

Wangwe spoke at Moiben Rehabilitation Centre in the county.

Bii has also ordered for tracking of all drugs supplied to the 138 hospitals in the county to ensure they are used to help residents.

He has warned that his administration will not tolerate any diversion of drugs and other medical supplies by hospital staff.

The county chief has directed hospital administrators to ensure they file proper records on how drugs were dispensed, adding that tight monitoring systems had also been put in place in all hospitals.

“The drugs are meant to help our people who visit hospitals for medical attention. They are not meant to benefit a few heartless people who thrive on theft of medicine from our hospitals,” Bii said.

Last week, the county flagged off a consignment of essential drugs worth Sh21 million to health facilities.

The governor said the consignment was part of a larger order for the county worth Sh36 million placed with Kemsa.

Another Sh14 million worth of drugs are expected to be delivered to the hospitals this week.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising healthcare, describing it as a core pillar of his development agenda.

He praised the Mama Rachel Maternity Hospital for its exemplary service, saying it has seen a surge in patients due to its quality care.

“Access to quality healthcare is non-negotiable and we are working to ensure every resident can walk into a facility and get the treatment they need without unnecessary delays,” Bii said.

The consignment is expected to ease drug shortages and enhance services, bringing relief to healthcare workers and patients.