Marsabit County government has blamed delay by the National Treasury to release funds for the biting shortage of drugs and medical supplies that has hit local health facilities.
Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo assured locals that the county will ensure that all 118 health centres have medical supplies soonest possible.
Mr Gubo also faulted the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) for halting the supply of pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals despite efforts by the county to clear an outstanding debt.
The county’s department of health owes Kemsa Sh22 million in unpaid requisitions for the 2018/19 Financial Year.
The deputy governor said Treasury’s delay has stalled implementation of the universal health coverage.
Marsabit County Assembly Committee on Health decried lack of medicine and medical kits in public dispensaries, health centers and hospitals since May, 2019.
The committee chairperson, Asunta Galgidhele, said it was unacceptable for residents to be sent to private facilities to buy drugs.
