Kemsa debt of Sh90m hurts Taita Taveta

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), Industrial Area, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Public hospitals in Taita Taveta are experiencing a shortage of drugs and medical equipment after the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) stopped supply over Sh90 million debt.

Governor Andrew Mwadime said this has been compounded by a shortage of personnel.

"There are no drugs in our hospitals. In addition, most of our health facilities lack equipment and are also experiencing a serious shortage of staff. Health is one of the sectors that has been experiencing serious challenges, having been on a free fall for many years," said Mwadime.

The governor noted that corruption and theft of drugs remain a major challenge.

"I made impromptu visits to several hospitals, including Moi Referral Hospital, where I came face to face with the rot in the health sector and understood what our people are going through," he said.

But Mwadime and Health CEC Gifton Mkaya assured residents of quality services.

"My administration will set aside funds to ensure drugs are available in our hospitals. We are also planning to deploy additional resources towards preventive measures, including sensitizing the masses on healthy living," said the Governor.

Mkaya said he would meet the Kemsa board over the matter.

"The health sector is not doing well. Patients, especially those suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, are the hardest hit by the shortage of drugs."

"We normally follow conditions by the Kenya Essential Medicines List 2019 when ordering medical supplies. This depends on many factors such as the pattern of prevalent diseases, genetic, demographic and environmental factors."