Vihiga County Governor Dr Wiber Otichillo flagged off a consignment of drugs from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to 75 health facilities in the county.
The total value of the pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical drugs is worth Sh34 million.
During the flagging-off ceremony, KEMSA Western Region Coordinator, Mr Constant Samula, commended the Vihiga County government for their collaboration in ensuring the smooth supply of essential drugs to the health facilities.
“We are happy working with the Vihiga County government. Out of the four counties of western Vihiga, one is on the frontline,” said Samula.
Dr Joseph Makomere, a pharmacist in Vihiga, emphasised the importance of having an adequate supply of drugs in hospitals to alleviate the burden on patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances in search of medication.
“These drugs are not going to expire soon and we can be assured they will serve our facilities very well,” said Dr Joseph.
Vihiga County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr Nicholas Kitungulu, assured the public that all health facilities would be properly equipped and operational under his supervision.
Governor Otichillo reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services and emphasised that Vihiga County was on the right track in terms of improving health outcomes for its residents.
The Governor urged healthcare workers in Vihiga hospitals to ensure the appropriate and efficient utilisation of the drugs.
“These drugs must be utilised well. We have put up a digital system to track them,” said the governor.
He also announced that Vihiga County had exceeded the World Health Organisation’s standards by having health facilities located within a 5 km radius of the population.
Additionally, the governor graciously accepted donations of health equipment from various non-governmental organisations, further bolstering the county’s efforts to enhance healthcare service delivery.
The flagging off of these crucial drugs signifies a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility and quality in Vihiga County, underlining the government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its residents.
By Sylvester Muhadi
