Hospitals grapple with lack of key drugs and supplies
Coast
By
Joackim Bwana
| Aug 14, 2024
A dire shortage of essential drugs has hit public health facilities in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
Local health workers say they have been compelled to advise patients to purchase drugs and supplies from private facilities. This is happening as the devolved units blame delays in procurements for the shortage.
According to Dr Ghalib Ali, Mombasa branch secretary of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU), among the drugs that are missing include ceftriaxone, flagyl, paracetamol and tramadol.
He narrated to The Standard how he had to improvise to assist an expectant mother at Likoni Sub-county hospital. "I had a pregnant woman due for delivery. From 6am, she had not delivered and we were preparing to take her to theatre. I was infuriated because I was informed there were no drugs, even anesthesia to perform the CS," said Ali.
He said lack of drugs in hospitals across the Coast entered its second week. "If you go to all hospitals from dispensaries to Coast General Hospital, there are no essential drugs like antibiotics and painkillers that any patient is prescribed on. We have been informed that the drugs will take two weeks to arrive. Now patients are suffering and forced to buy drugs from chemists at high prices," said Ali.
READ MORE
Kenya to host green hydrogen symposium as country positions for the global stage
Kingdom Bank deepens MSME push with Industrial Area branch
Court declines to lift orders blocking Safaricom sale as Vodafone loses bid to exit case
Kenya blockchain industry urges faster stablecoin adoption amid new digital asset rules
Activist files petition to block fuel price hike, seeks conservatory orders
Government launches construction of 114 solar mini grids in 14 counties
Kenya's cybersecurity skills gap persists despite training efforts
Ruto's budget limbo deepens as IMF digs in on bailout conditions
Mr John Mari, a resident of Bamburi who had brought his sick wife to CGH, said all the four drugs the doctor prescribed were not in the hospital chemist.
"If I bought the drugs from the hospital chemist it would cost me Sh350, but out here the drugs cost an arm and leg. I have paid Sh2,000 for them. Why is the government not stocking drugs in the hospitals yet we are heavily taxed?" posed Mari.
MOST READ
Kenya to host green hydrogen symposium as country positions for the global stage
BUSINESS
By James Wanzala