Meru County Governor H.E. Isaac Mutuma has launched a major healthcare intervention, flagging off medical supplies worth Sh28.9 million aimed at ending persistent drug shortages in public hospitals. The move, part of a broader overhaul of the county’s health system, ensures that patients no longer need to purchase essential medicines from private pharmacies at inflated prices. Governor Mutuma emphasized that the initiative, alongside last month’s Sh25 million drug dispatch, underscores the county government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare and streamlining service delivery across all wards.
The healthcare drive comes amid rising concerns over the high prevalence of cancer cases in Meru, prompting the administration to plan for specialized services, including modern diagnostic machines, oncology specialists, and a dedicated cancer directorate. County Health Executive Denis Mugambi confirmed a partnership with the Mission for Essential Drugs Supply (MEDS) to guarantee continuous supply of pharmaceuticals, non-pharmaceuticals, lab reagents, X-ray materials, and dental items. Titus Munene, deputy head of commercial services at MEDS, noted that future plans include opening a MEDS branch in Meru and establishing a manufacturing plant in Kisumu, which is expected to lower medicine costs significantly.
Residents and healthcare stakeholders have welcomed the move, highlighting the positive impact on patient care and overall public health. The county government’s increased budget allocation of Sh300 million for drug procurement this year—up by Sh95 million from last year—signals a strategic effort to strengthen the health sector. With the rollout of these initiatives, coupled with registration under the Social Health Authority, Meru County aims to enhance preventative care, improve treatment outcomes, and build a more resilient healthcare system capable of serving all residents efficiently.