The County Assembly of Makueni witnessed heated discussions as MCAs demanded a more comprehensive explanation regarding the delayed supply of drugs to health facilities across the county.
This came after Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) expressed dissatisfaction with the initial response provided by Elizabeth Muthike. Muthike in her initial response, cited a “delayed approval of a cabinet paper” as the reason for the disruption in supplies an explanation that was met with outrage from a section of MCAs.
As the buzz of criticism continued Ilima Ward MCA Jonathan Muthoka, voiced his frustration over delayed drug supplies in local health facilities.
“We live in a digital age where cabinet meetings can be conducted online to expedite approvals. It’s unacceptable that patients are left without medicine because of such bureaucratic delays,” Muthoka said.
Jonathan Mwaniki added, “The budget was approved. We need to understand why the cabinet paper was delayed. The funds were available. Delaying the purchase of essential drugs is nothing short of a travesty.”
The MCAs further criticized the lack of a robust procurement plan to ensure a continuous six-month supply of medicines, noting that the current inefficiencies are causing significant harm to patients. Additionally, concerns were raised about the absence of a contractual agreement between the county government and the national government through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to ensure a steady supply of medicines.
Speaker Mbilu questioned, “How is it that the county government can arrange with commercial banks to prevent salary delays for civil servants, yet cannot secure similar arrangements with KEMSA to prevent medicine shortages for our patients?”
The Health Committee now faces a tight deadline to provide clarity and resolution on this matter as Speaker Mbilu in his directives, instructed the Assembly Health Committee to collaborate with the Executive Committee Member (ECM) responsible for health services and to present a final, detailed response within seven days. The response must include evidence of when the cabinet paper in question was presented, accompanied by documentation from the County Secretary, who serves as Secretary to the Cabinet.
“This is a straightforward issue, yet it’s unprecedented in my time as Speaker. The County Executive Committee Member has admitted that the delay occurred within the cabinet, where he holds a seat,” remarked Speaker Mbilu.
