By TIMOTHY MBAYA
Migori Governor Okoth Obado has sent a stern warning to members of staff in the health department involved in loss of drugs in different facilities.
Speaking during the launch of drugs and non-pharmaceutical commodities worth 39 million at the County Referral Hospital, in Migori town, Governor Obado said police have impounded several consignments of drugs stolen from the facility.
Obado said most of the drugs meant for residents found their way into Tanzania denying the County the much health services.
The Migori County boss also linked one instance where drugs were impounded to Al-Shabaab sympathizers in health sector in the county.
“There was a very unfortunate situation where one time our drugs were headed to the Al-Shabaab prone frontiers in Northern Kenya,” Obado said.
The Governor said the consignment was seized in Rongo and was headed towards Marsabit.
“We know that that is where we have serious problems with Al-Shabaab and so whoever is here and is working with the enemies of the people of Kenya, I think you better disqualify yourself from giving us your services because you want to put us in more problems and we are not ready to accept,” Obado said.
Obado urged county employees to ensure all drugs in their jurisdiction are accounted for.
He said health committees at various facilities will ensure the drugs are utilized for their intended purposes.
“These intended purposes are to ensure our people get proper medical attention, proper medical services and that none of our drugs not even a single grain will grow legs and wings and disappear from those facilities,” Obado said.
He added, “So the committees and the boards have a huge responsibility of ensuring that whatever we give to the Wananchi is for the sole benefit of the Wananchi.”
The governor said any member of the staff arrested for having stolen the drugs will carry his own cross.
“I think the load has been too much on me and am not ready to bear an extra load,” he said.
The 39 million worth of drugs launched today Obado said was part of a total of 60 million deal with Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) where the 20 million balance will be delivered in due course.
The supply that is going to last for 3 months will service 113 dispensaries, 13 sub-county hospitals and the county referral hospital.
And to sustain the supply, Obado said the county government will deposit 10 million each month to the KEMSA account.
