The Medical Products, Vaccines and Technologies are one of the building blocks for strengthening the health systems. Procurement and distribution of medicines to county hospitals, dispensaries and health centres is among the devolved functions. In October last year, the County Government of Bomet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) which has ensured constant and reliable supply of drugs to all county health facilities in the county.

The drugs, tested for quality at the KEMSAs’ World Health Organisation (WHO) pre-qualified Quality Control Laboratories, are delivered to the doorstep of County health facilities. The health department in conjunction with the County Administration carefully monitor the distribution and utilization of the medical supplies to ensure they reach the desired beneficiaries.

The department has deployed the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) which has enabled the department to monitor and manage drugs and other health commodities in all the health facilities across the county. The county is also in the process of upgrading and expanding the range of the Health Management Information systems (HMIS). The systems will be integrated with other management systems to ensure prudent use of county resources. This holistic approach is in line with Madam Governor’s transformative manifesto where she had pledged an enhanced drugs storage and distribution in Bomet County using the latest tracking technology.

There has been an unprecedented upsurge of patients from neighbouring and distant counties seeking health services at Bomet County health facilities. The continued influx of patients is due to the confidence that members of the public have in the quality and range of services offered as well as guaranteed drug supplies. At least 50% of patients seeking services at the Longisa hospital hail from outside Bomet County