Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya came out to warn medical staff in the county against the stealing of medical drugs from health centers.
Natembeya was speaking while receiving drugs from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority(KEMSA) worth Ksh53 million at the Kitale County Hospital.
While reaffirming his determination to serve the people, the governor warned that his administration would not tolerate the stealing of drugs from hospitals.
“We want these drugs to benefit our people who are in need, not people taking medicines from our health facilities,” Natembeya argued.
The first-time governor noted that the drugs supplied were being depleted faster than they were intended due to theft by the medics.
“Some of our drugs were stolen and sneaked in neighboring countries but since they have KEMSA labels we are able to identify them,” commented Natembeya.
The former police boss urged the locals and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to remain vigilant in order to end the vice which had led to the loss of millions in counties.
On the other hand, KEMSA's Chief Executive Officer Terry Ramadhani lauded the county governors for making full payment of the drugs supplied by the company.
“This round the county governments have really done a good job with 44 out of the 47 counties agreeing to work closely with KEMSA and moving forward we hope the remaining will come on board,” commented Ramadhani.
A section of MCAs accompanying the governor also noted that the move had eased the burden of people moving long distances in search of medical care.
Cases of theft of medical supplies at hospitals have been on the rice in recent times with several suspects being nabbed.
Earlier this week 4 members of staff from the Murang’a County Referral Hospital were caught after stealing medicines worth 1.5 million.
