Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has assured residents that public health facilities across the county are adequately stocked with medicines and medical supplies, dismissing claims of widespread drug shortages as unfounded.

Achani said the availability of medicines has been supported by the county government’s settlement of its financial obligations to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), allowing the agency to deliver medical supplies directly to dispensaries, health centres and sub-county hospitals.

Speaking during an inspection of Mnyenzeni Health Centre, the governor warned health workers against diverting, hoarding or selling medicines meant for patients in public facilities.

> “I will not hesitate to dismiss any medical staff who lie about drug shortages in our facilities just to redirect patients to private chemists or steal free public commodities. I am telling you, they will go home,” Achani said.

The governor maintained that the county does not have outstanding debts with KEMSA, insisting that public hospitals should therefore have adequate supplies.

She said any shortage arising from the deliberate concealment or diversion of medicines would be treated as misconduct and could lead to the dismissal of those responsible.

Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said the county administration had invested significantly in the health sector through the construction and equipping of more than 179 primary healthcare facilities.

He said the upgrades included the elevation of Msambweni Hospital to a teaching and referral facility, as well as the upgrading of Kinango, Samburu, Mkongani and Kwale hospitals to Level 4 status.

According to Kombo, the investments have brought healthcare services closer to residents and reduced the need for patients to travel long distances in search of medical attention.

“We cannot allow a few individuals to politicise matters of health. We know where Kwale was in terms of healthcare, and the sector has transformed under the Achani administration,” Kombo said.

The county government says it has employed more than 1,800 health workers and engaged over 1,600 community health promoters as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare services across Kwale.