By Dhahabu Writer
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has delivered medical stocks valued at Sh75 million to Nyeri County, bringing an end to drug shortages in the county.
The order, the largest KEMSA has received from Nyeri, spells reprieve for the county residents and marks a continuation in the fulfillment of the promise by the County Government to ensure quality and affordable health care.
KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr John Munyu commended Nyeri County, noting that the initiative symbolized the County’s serious commitment to prioritize the health of its residents by ensuring that all health facilities were fully stocked with quality and affordable medicines.
“The medical commodities KEMSA has delivered today, will guarantee that public health facilities in Nyeri will offer the requisite medical care relieving patients suffering and restoring good health,” said Dr Munyu.
Speaking during the flag off of the commodities at KEMSA Nyeri Depot, Dr Charles Githinji, County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Nyeri County, commended KEMSA for having transformed itself into a responsive health supply chain partner.
He applauded KEMSA for stocking a wide range of essential medical commodities and promised continued partnership.
Dr. Githinji affirmed that the supplies are timely as the county is committed to manage stock outs. He further asserted that the County Government will continue prioritizing access to quality healthcare.
“This is a big order and will go a long way in replenishing the stocks in all health facilities in the counties. As a government we want to create a healthy community where children and adults can contribute meaningfully to development without being put down by diseases,” said Githinji.
Dr Munyu affirmed that KEMSA remains fully committed to improve the quality of health care for all Kenyans, by enabling counties to procure quality medical commodities at an affordable cost through using its advantage of economies of scale.
The CEO said the partnership with Nyeri County indicates a good working relationship whose sole intent is to ensure good health of all its citizen and to assist them deliver on their health care promises.
Dr Munyu explained that KEMSA is living up to its mandate; Procurement, Warehousing and Distribution of medical commodities by ascertaining that the prices are competitive such that every Kenyan can access and afford health care.
Dr Munyu said KEMSA has created a flawless supply chain process that guarantees delivery of effective, efficient and sustainable supply chain services to public health facilities countrywide.
“We have established a web based Logistics Information Management System and an e-mobile service to offer reliable services to our customers in the counties,” said Dr Munyu.
He noted that KEMSA’s operations have changed from its previous status, where the organization depended on funds from the government to procure to the current model where the Authority uses its own capital to buy medical commodities.
“KEMSA has been able to successfully shift from a push system of drug supply to a fully demand-driven supply system based on a not-for profit self-sustaining commercial model,” explained Dr. Munyu.
Dr Munyu said the new business model requires that all orders received from the counties are subject to credit validation to ensure that KEMSA cash flow is not affected by non performing accounts. All counties that have not honored their credit period are suspended until the accounts are regularized. This is because KEMSA relies on a revolving fund from payments made by its customers.
However, KEMSA offers a 45 day credit period to allow counties to make payments factoring in that there may be issues that warrant the delay. Some Counties however surpass the credit period by months and hence when they place an order it is difficult for KEMSA to service it until they settle the outstanding payments.
“Let me commend Nyeri County, as what we are witnessing today symbolizes a shared vision and thriving relationship that will see Nyeri residents receive uninterrupted health care services. We are proud to partner with Nyeri and will continue serving their order with utmost efficiency,” assured Dr Munyu.
