Health sector is facing a fresh criss after Kemsa indicated to stop supply of drugs to counties owing to huge debts.
In a report submitted at the senate, the authority’s Acting CEO Andrew Mulwa the counties owe them close to Sh3 billion with Kilifi leading with Sh276.6 million followed by Nairobi with Sh243.7 million.
In the county government budgets, a huge sum of money is allocated to the health department targeting procurement of drugs. Mulwa said the authority was present reeling in financial challenges that will impede its ability to fulfill its mandate in service delivery.
Health committee chaired by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago asked to stop supply of drugs to the counties which have not formulated plans on how to clear the debts.
In the report, Wajir County was ranked the best as it has no pending debt with the drug supplying agency. In Mt Kenya region, Kemsa is seeking the repayment of debts from the counties with Murang’a demanding Sh19 million, Laikipia Sh62.7 million, Kirinyaga Sh50.1 million, Meru Sh85 million and Embu Sh66 million.
Mulwa told the senate health committee that they have engaged the council of governors to ensure the debts are cleared. “We need the debts cleared to ensure we proceed with supply of drugs in the health facilities across the counties,” said Mulwa.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu expressed displeasure over the manner Kemsa was operating with huge debts. ” Kemsa should work on clearing of the debts with the counties failure to stop dealing with the debtors,” said Nyutu.
Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei said in three months the counties have incurred a debt of Sh2.087 billion, a move that could cripple the operations at Kemsa.