Following the recent delivery of a medical drugs and supplies consignment valued at Ksh.27,613,973 from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to Isiolo County, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), led by Health Committee Chairperson Salesio Kiambi, paid an unannounced visit to Isiolo Referral Hospital.
The objective of the visit was to confirm the receipt of the consignment and to ensure that the community benefits from improved healthcare services across public health facilities in the county.
During the inspection, the MCAs raised several pressing concerns regarding service delivery at the hospital. Hon. Abgudo highlighted deficiencies in key departments, including the mortuary, dialysis services, and ambulance availability. She also stressed the urgent need to enhance critical services such as immunization and tetanus injections.
Losu sought clarification on whether the supplies were intended exclusively for Isiolo Referral Hospital or if they would also be distributed to ward-level dispensaries. She further requested detailed information about the types of medicines delivered.
Dekha Bonja questioned the operational status of ambulances, seeking specifics on how many were currently functional.
Concerns about staffing were voiced by Hon. Lorot, who highlighted issues with staff promotions, specialized job groupings, and other human resource challenges impacting service quality.
Nura requested to review the official delivery note to verify the consignment and inquired about ongoing polio vaccination efforts. He also asked if the Beyond Zero van remained operational. Additionally, he expressed worries over the absence of public health officers at slaughter facilities, which compromises the inspection and certification of meat safety.
Another critical issue raised by the MCAs was the shortage of pharmacists at the hospital. They emphasized that the presence of qualified pharmacy personnel is essential to ensure proper dispensing of medicines and safe patient care.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Adan Boru, the Hospital Administrator, confirmed that the consignment was designated solely for Isiolo Referral Hospital.
He assured the MCAs that the hospital management is taking active steps to address the highlighted service gaps. He also called on the MCAs to assist in civic education about the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), to help residents understand and benefit from the new system.
The visit included the participation of key county health officials such as Dr. Kivuva, the County Medical Director of Medical Services, as well as the Director and Deputy Director of Public Health, who engaged with the MCAs on the raised issues.
The Isiolo County Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to exercising rigorous oversight in line with the devolved health function under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. It pledged to uphold transparency, accountability, and ensure every resident’s constitutional right to quality healthcare is realized.
