Meru County has rolled out a major medical supplies distribution exercise valued at Sh80 million, targeting all 228 public hospitals and dispensaries across the region. The consignment, flagged off by County Health CEC Meshach Mutuma at the county headquarters, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure residents receive prescribed drugs directly from public facilities without being forced to buy from private pharmacies. Mutuma said the initiative reflects the county’s renewed commitment to improving access to affordable healthcare and easing the financial burden on patients.
The CEC credited former governor Kiraitu Murungi’s health-sector investments for improving service delivery and attracting more residents to public facilities. He revealed that the county had doubled its annual medicine procurement budget—from Sh150 million to Sh300 million—allowing for more consistent restocking and reduced shortages. In the first quarter alone, Meru spent Sh74 million on essential medicines, with Mutuma assuring that continuous orders would be made to prevent stock-outs. However, he noted that delays experienced in previous deliveries were largely due to late disbursements from the National Treasury, economic pressures, and reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
Mutuma expressed confidence that with KEMSA’s restructuring now underway, future deliveries would be timelier and more reliable. He urged managers of public health facilities to ensure prudent and transparent use of the distributed supplies so that all residents can benefit. Health stakeholders say the latest consignment will go a long way in stabilizing public healthcare services, especially in rural areas where access to medicines has been inconsistent. Looking ahead, county officials emphasize the need for sustained funding, improved supply chain efficiency, and stronger collaboration with national agencies to secure long-term gains in Meru’s healthcare system.