Sh550 million used to end drugs crisis

The government has used more than Sh550 million to buy drugs after the country was hit by a shortage, a permanent secretary has revealed.

Speaking after touring Kabarnet District Hospital on Friday, Medical Services PS James ole Kiyapi assured Kenyans that there was no need to panic as the anomaly had been rectified. “Everything is under control. All the health centres countrywide are now well- stocked with drugs,” said Prof Kiyapi.

He also assured Aids patients that the government had stocked all district hospitals with enough anti-retroviral drugs. “We are also liaising with AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) to ensure that the life-prolonging drugs are available at all health centres to minimise the difficulty the patients undergo in accessing them,” said Prof Kiyapi.

A computerised system of information on all people living with the virus was being put in place. The PS reiterated the need for good utilisation of funds by all hospital heads. “Those who will not account for the money used at their hospitals will not receive more funds,” he said.

This also includes those who have not yet utilised the funds in their accounts, he added. He attributed the challenges facing health centres to poor management and planning. He said a Sh20 million surgical ward would soon be set up at the Kabarnet District Hospital to cater for the increasing number of patients seeking medical care.