The Vihiga government is planning to automate data at the health department by September to end cumbersome paperwork and ease supervision.
Automation will help in accurate data collection and entries to determine demand, plan procurement, monitor consumption trends and assess stock levels.
It will also help in decision-making on resupply quantities and monitor the capacity and performance of the entire supply chain.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo said the automation will also help curb drug theft in health facilities and absenteeism of service providers.
“With this automation, we shall be able to tell who has reported on duty and who has not,” he said.
“The automation will take place in all 73 health facilities across the county.”
Ottichilo spoke at the county headquarters after receiving a delegation from USAID-Afya Ugavi.
The team also visited the county's GIS Lab, which will play a big part in the automation.
In attendance were health services chief officer Mary Anyienda, director of health Martin Sikuku and head of health products and technology unit Jerusa Oluhano.
On Monday, Governor Ottichilo flagged off a Sh30 million consignment of drugs and other pharmaceuticals from Kemsa. The medical supplies will be distributed to all the 73 health facilities in the county.
While receiving consignment from Kemsa at the county headquarters, Ottichilo said he had requested for drugs worth Sh60 million.
"We have received drugs worth Sh30 million and we are waiting for the second dispatch also worth Sh30 million," Ottichilo said.
The governor said the drugs will boost health services in the county.
Ottichilo warned the staff against engaging in drug theft.
Ottichilo said the health department requires about Sh80 to Sh100 million quarterly to ensure smooth operations within the sector.
He said good health services in the county start with hiring competent staff and equipping them with proper tools for effective delivery of services.
Edited by A.N
