Hospitals in Bungoma County are set to receive medical drugs worth Kshs 54 million from the County government of Bungoma, to be shared and supplied to various health facilities around and within the entire County. Addressing Webuye Sub County medical staff and residents, the Health CEC Mr. Anthony Walela said the consignment will be used for the next two to four months, depending on the health service demands. He said that as a Ministry, they’ll be careful to note any complaints of drug shortage in health facilities, and added that the expectation is that they’ll be operating optimally in the next two months.
On his part, Deputy Governor Charles Ngome Kibanani, who received the drugs from KEMSA, lauded the good work done by the staff of Webuye Sub County hospital led by medical superintendent Mr. Simon Kisaka, whom he said has changed the hospital’s state since he took over. He also appreciated Bungoma County’ nursing fraternity who heeded calls by the County government not to go on strike. He said they indeed should be paid more but the challenge is that the money received from the exchequer is only 9% of the country’s budget and not 15% as is required, “We are going to pressurize the government through the referendum to increase the funds allocation to Counties to about 50%. At that level it’ll be possible for the County government to cater for a new payment structure the medical fraternity wants,” he said.
He urged the Health CEC Walela to ensure the primary health care facilities in the County are well equipped to reduce congestion in Bungoma County hospital and Webuye referral hospital and warned those who may plan to steal the drugs. He also thanked KEMSA and urged them to keep up the collaboration so that the issue of drugs’ shortage can be a thing of the past.