Health services in county to be automated

The county government plans to automate healthcare services to improve service delivery and curb drugs theft.

Acting Health Executive Isaac Kogo cautioned health workers who are fond of smuggling drugs that their days were numbered.

Speaking at the Kitale Referral Hospital where he received drugs worth Sh35 million procured by the county government, Dr Kogo assured residents that services are set for major positive changes.

He said the new system would help track the flow of drugs from the time they arrive at the hospitals to the point they are received by the patient.

"We are going to automate all health services so that once the drugs are received, we can be able to track the flow, how they were used and on which patients," he said.

He further disclosed that the county administration had been gradually increasing bed capacity at the Kitale Referral Hospital.

Kogo affirmed that the proposed Trans Nzoia County Referral Hospital under construction will be complete in a year's time.

He said the facility will help reduce referral cases made to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and help check deaths from delayed attendance to emergency cases.

The officer's remarks came on the backdrop of patients complains of being referred to private chemists to buy drugs.

"The system will be so much helpful to us because we have suffered, as we are required to buy even common drugs that could be provided at government hospitals," said Peter Chemengich who had sought for medication at the facility.

Public Service Management Executive Gaudencia Malimbe said a programme to promote health officials would begin in September.

She said the scheme is aimed at motivating the officers and making them active at their work.