Vihiga County has received drugs and medical equipment worth Kshs 30 million from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). Speaking after flagging of the drugs to 53 health facilities in the County, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said health has been given first priority by his government to make sure all resident get quality health care.
He said the County government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KEMSA to make the supply of drugs and medical equipment to all health facilities in the County.
KEMSA made the supplies despite the County government owing the firm Kshs 47 million in accrued by the former regime under the leadership of Moses Akaranga.
The County boss said they have a mutual agreement with KEMSA to make the supply noting that the County government will clear the debt.
“We are all in agreement that the firm will continue making supplies as per our agreement as we look forward to clearing the remaining arrears fully,” said Ottichilo.
The area Deputy Governor Dr. Patrick Saisi said they have put mechanisms in place to nab health workers who may plan to steal the drugs and sell them to private entities in the County.
“There are mechanisms in place to nab those who will steal the drugs we supply to health centres, anyone who will be found will face the full force of law,” Saisi said.
KEMSA CEO Philip Omondi said the partnership between Vihiga County government and the firm will see the continued supply of drugs to health facilities across the County.
He added that the KEMSA has devolved its functions to all County governments to make sure they bring their services closer to people.
