Waiguru warns medics found stealing drugs from public hospitals

Kerugoya, Friday, May 12, 2023

KNA by Mutai Kipngetich

Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has given a stern warning to medics running private clinics against stealing drugs from public hospitals.

The governor asked health practitioners in the county to serve the public with dedication and resist the temptation of pilfering drugs meant for patients for sale in their private facilities.

Speaking after opening Matandara Dispensary in Mwea constituency, she asked members of the public to remain vigilant and report any case of theft of drugs and other medical utilities in hospitals.

The governor asked health practitioners to choose whether they want to run private clinics or to remain in public hospitals.

“If we get complaints from the public and we establish that indeed you are selling drugs from our hospitals, we will withdraw your license and close down your clinic,” the governor warned.

The Council of Governors (COG) Chair said she will be seeking collaboration with other counties in order to block medics sacked from one county for stealing drugs from being employed in any other county.

At the same time, Waiguru said installation of Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) will improve the management of medical supplies as well as performance management.

The system will help curtail theft of drugs as well as help in addressing the issue of drug shortage by providing real- time information on stock out.

“There will be no more paper work in our medical facilities. We have rolled out the system at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital and soon we are extending it to all our medical facilities. No drugs or services will be offered to patients without going through the system,” she added. 

The new Matandara dispensary will serve more than 10,000 people from about nine villages among them Matandara, Redsoil and Mathangauta who would walk for many kilometers to get healthcare services. They will access consultation, outpatient services, anti-natal and post-natal services, and Child Welfare Clinic, family planning, immunization, laboratory and pharmacy services. 

 Courtesy; K.N.A