Nyamira in ambitious plan to end drug shortage

When former Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama flagged off a Sh40 million consignment of drugs at Nyamira County Headquarters on Feb 17, 2020. [Sammy Omingo, standard]

Nyamira County is seeking to establish a revolving fund for purchasing drugs to help address the perennial problem of drug shortage in health facilities.

Governor Amos Nyaribo's administration has drafted a Bill that aims to improve funding for healthcare and efficiency in the accessibility of medical care.

According to Governor Nyaribo, the law has already been drafted and is only awaiting ratification and approval by the County Assembly to become a by-law.

Speaking while flagging medicines worth Sh29.2 million to hospitals in the county outside his Nyamira Town office, Nyaribo said the devolved government was having problems of drugs shortage because of the current system of accessing funds for drugs from the National Treasury.

The Governor cited long procurement processes in approval of utilization of funds as well as the long processes of purchasing and delivery of the supplies to hospital as challenges that the proposed legislation can bypass.

The Governor said his administration will be appropriating between Sh200 million and Sh300 million each financial year that will be termed as a revolving fund.

"All the monies that are recovered from the drugs that are consumed from the Government facilities will be channeled to the Revolving Fund kitty which will sustain itself as far as drugs and treatment supplies are concerned," Nyaribo said.

During the flagging of the medicines, the Governor asked owners of private chemist shops not to overcharge patients who retreat to buy drugs from them.

"We understand the cost of living is high and even owners of chemist shops want to make a profit but do not overcharge patients," Nyaribo said.

The Governor however said within a short while, the Government will start stocking all drugs they may need and assured of enhanced and effective services.