Mandera County Referral and Teaching Hospital has intensified preparations ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains, with the facility stocking essential medicines and medical supplies to respond to a possible increase in patients during the rainy season.
The hospital has so far received a consignment of medical supplies worth 26 million shillings from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, KEMSA, representing 68 percent of its 38-million-shilling order placed in preparation for the rains and beyond.
MCRTH pharmacist Dr. Khadija Noor says the facility is receiving the supplies as part of measures to ensure adequate stocks throughout the rainy season.
“We are in the process of receiving KEMSA supplies for the facility in preparation for the rainy season we are expecting, whether it is El Niño or the long-term rains,” said Dr. Khadija.
She says the first consignment, which came with a nine-page delivery note, includes essential medical supplies such as saline, Hartmann’s solution, dextrose, and other intravenous fluids.
Dr. Khadija says the facility has also received medicines for chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, as well as maternal and child health supplies.
“Some of the products we have received include fluids such as saline, Hartmann’s solution, and dextrose. We have also received chronic medications, including metformin, antihypertensives, and products for mothers and children,” she said.
The hospital has also received zinc and oral rehydration solution kits, metronidazole and paracetamol suspensions, as well as domperidone used to manage vomiting among children.
Dr. Khadija says additional supplies are expected, including cold-chain products and controlled medicines that require special transportation.
She says the hospital deliberately placed a 38-million-shilling order to ensure adequate supplies during the rainy season and beyond, citing the region’s poor road network as a potential challenge to the transportation of medical commodities.
“Because of our poor roads, we put a supply order of 38 million just to cover this season and beyond,” said Dr. Khadija.
She says the facility has so far received about 68 percent of the expected supplies, with more consignments expected.
“When it comes to preparedness, I think we are almost not fully ready, but almost 68 percent ready as we go into the season,” she said.
MCRTH Chief Executive Officer Okash Abdullahi says the hospital has made adequate preparations to ensure it can respond to increased demand for medical services during the rains.
“As a hospital, we are much prepared for the rains. The drugs are available, and we have put measures in place to ensure that our patients continue receiving the services they need,” said Abdullahi.
Abdullahi says the hospital will continue receiving additional supplies and monitoring its stock levels to ensure there are no interruptions in the provision of essential healthcare services.
The hospital says the preparations are aimed at ensuring it remains ready to handle any increase in disease burden or medical emergencies that may accompany the anticipated rains.
By Adan Mohamed
