Kemsa boss lauds efficiency in drug procurement time

DP Rigathi Gachagua and CoG Chair Anne Waiguru tour the Kemsa exhibition booth. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) has used the just concluded devolution conference held in Eldoret to outline its role in promoting healthcare through efficiency in medical supplies.

During a breakaway session on Public Health Care (PHC), the agency sought to project itself as a key cog in realising an effective health system.

Kemsa Chair Irungu Nyakera, who was among the panellists, underscored the significance of Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) in achieving universal health coverage.

"Notably, Kemsa has significantly improved its procurement efficiency, reaching an impressive Order Fill Rate of 60 per cent in timely and accurate supplies from the previous 40 per cent three months ago," said Irungu.

At Kemsa, quality control takes centre stage as well as adhering to stringent supplier criteria, Irungu told the session, adding that the agency is pioneering a solution through the operalisation of regional distribution centres, which will guarantee a streamlined distribution network to over 9,000 facilities.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki who doubles as the chairperson of the Health Committee at the Council of Governors said the concentration of healthcare services within counties has reduced referral costs and improved accessibility.

Right to healthcare

Njuki reiterated the need for county governments to make prompt payments to Kemsa to enable the restocking of HPTs. "The increased awareness of communities regarding their right to healthcare has catalysed accountability at all levels," added the county boss.

The session concluded with a reflection on challenges and accomplishments. Financing emerged as a major hurdle, but there was consensus that counties pay off debts owed to the agency.