Alarm as drug and food shortage hits hospitals

Health institutions in Bungoma County are facing an acute shortage of drugs and food.

As a result, patients are being asked to buy prescribed medicines at private pharmacies.

The Webuye Sub-County Hospital is the hardest hit.

Medical Superintendent Caeser Bitta said the shortages were seriously affecting services at the hospital, which also serves patients from neighbouring sub-counties, including Lugari in Kakamega County.

Dr Bitta said the crisis arose after the county government delayed to procure drugs for the health institutions.

“We are referring patients to private pharmacies for drug purchases. We urge the county government to urgently address the problem,” he said.

He added: “We have been forced to reduce food rations for patients because of the shortage. In the past, we didn’t have such a problem as we bought the food directly from suppliers. Since the health sector was devolved, we are facing problems.”

According to Dr Bitta, the crisis was compounded after suppliers stopped deliveries over payment delays.

County Assembly Majority Leader Majimbo Okumu criticised the county government for not supplying the hospitals with drugs in time.
He said patients pay more for the drugs at private pharmacies, which are cashing in on the crisis.

He called on the county government to hastily deal with the situation.

X-RAY MACHINE

Mjini ward representative Joseph Maguda said there was a crisis after the X-ray machine at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital broke down.

Patients are now seeking X-ray services at private hospitals, which are expensive.

“Many patients at the hospitals go for days without receiving any service as key areas are affected. We are calling on the governor to move with speed and address the issue,” said Mr Maguda.