Turkana CEC for Health, Dr Joseph Esekon [in a tie] with officials from the department
Allegations of medical personnel being involved in the theft of medical supplies have rocked Turkana county.
This comes after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera at Lodwar County Referral Hospital on Monday recorded a supply chain officer seemingly pilfering medical supplies.
In a press release, county Health executive, Dr Joseph Esekon, expressed concern over the incident, stating that investigations have been launched.
Esekon said his department has deployed specialised audit teams to subcounty health facilities with a view to unearthing the truth.
The inspection exercise seeks to assess service delivery levels and investigate the management of medical supplies at the facility level.
“In accordance with the establishment accountability procedures, the matter has been formally referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for a comprehensive inquiry to ascertain the full scope of misappropriation and to ensure that all parties implicated are held accountable in accordance with the law,” he said.
Esekon noted that the exercise will help identify discrepancies in supply handling and strengthen accountability within the county’s health system.
“This initiative is designed to identify any systemic vulnerabilities and prevent further losses of essential commodities.”
The audit will also enhance both transparency and the rational utilisation of high-priority health products and technologies within the county.
The CEC assured members of the public of the department’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity and stewardship in the management of public health resources and continued efforts to implement robust measures to safeguard the public interest.
On May 21, the CEC flagged off a consignment of drugs worth Sh60 million to 229 health facilities in the 11 subcounties in Turkana, that he said were expected to last three months.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any cases of medical-drug pilferage from public health facilities, emphasising that the county government would take firm action against those involved.
