The Senate Health Committee, Chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago, on May 28,2024 met with Kisii Govornor H.E. Paul Simba Arati, who was appearing before Members to respond to the Statement queried by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka regarding the Management of the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH).
The Governor and his Team were asked to respond to issues touching on circumstances leading to the loss of medical equipment supplied by the Global Fund to the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, despite the Hospital having round the clock security, backed up by CCTV.
Governor Arati advised Members that the said matter is currently under investigations by law enforcement at Kisii Central Police Station and also referred to the DCI Kisii, which commenced in April 2024, and once the investigations are complete then the findings will be conveyed to the Senate.
However, Senators were not satisfied with the response as they could not comprehend as to the reason the CCTV footage could not have been initially retrieved by the Hospital Management to indeed confirm the theft.
“For purposes of integrity for the Hospital, going forward, ensure that the guards at the gate take note and have a robust record system on what is received at the Hospital and what leaves” reiterated Sen. Hamida.
Senators were also interested in knowing the reason for KTRH having a huge pending bill (Kes 59,565,324.27) for Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) aging over 200 days further stated by Senator Onyonka’s concern of a lack of medicines in the Hospital currently.
“We are dealing with a crisis that exists in KTRH and there are no medicines in the Hospital right now” stated Senator Onyonka.
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H.E. the Governor apprised Members that payments had already been initiated, “This week infact we have processed Kes 23 Million in payment” stated Governor Arati.
Further, upon Senator Nyutu’s enquiry on clarification as to whether KTRH purchases all medication from KEMSA, Governor Arati confirmed that indeed their 1st point of purchase is from KEMSA and in the event the meds required are unavailable, their 2nd point of purchase is from other pharmaceuticals.
Governor Arati in addition, advised the Senators that upon taking office, his administration has managed to increase sales at KTRH from Kes 47 Milion to Kes 200 Million.
Finally, H.E. the Governor was requested to clarify whether Kisii County has procured the services of an Insurance company to provide medical insurance coverage for all employees of Kisii County Government.
Governor Arati advised Members that after conducting a public procurement procedure for provision of medical insurance services for the county staff and their qualified dependents, M/S Trident Insurance Company were the successful bidders awarded for the sum of Kes 202,421,473 with insurance scope including inpatient, outpatient, dental, optical and maternity covers.
In response, Senator Onyonka advised the Health Committee that he had received complaints from Kisii County staff members claiming that the medical scheme in question was not working upon which the Chairperson, Senator Mandago made a ruling to have the area Senator provide evidence of the said claims to be further considered and investigated.
Other Members present at the meeting were Vice-Chair Sen.Omar Marriam Sheikh, Sen.Esther Okenyuri, Sen. Hamida Kibwana, Sen.Raphael Chimera, Sen.Ole Kina Ledama, Sen.Joe Nyutu and Sen. Richard Onyonka, a friend to the Committee and the owner of the Statement in question.
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