The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has unveiled key reforms that will enhance the effective implementation of its core mandate.
Speaking during the flagging off
of medical supplies to counties, Kemsa board Chair Samuel Tunai said the reforms will help
improve the efficiency of the Kemsa supply chain and strengthen partnerships with
both national and county governments.
Tanui stated that Kemsa aims to make
health facilities more responsive to local health needs, by ensuring that
medical commodities are delivered on time and in sufficient quantities.
He also noted that there was a need for the Authority to carry out its goals, hence the reforms that will enable it to restructure its operations.
He stated that the Authority is initiating internal reforms to streamline operations and increase efficiency and accountability.
"This includes digitising our supply chain management through new ERP and improving our procurement processes to minimize delays and wastage," he said.
He said accountability will be achieved
following the introduction of regular performance reviews for staff and
departments to ensure accountability at every level.
"This will help in
identifying bottlenecks and taking swift corrective action," he said.
The reforms also include improving
procurement and forecasting.
'We are investing in research and
data-driven decision-making to ensure that we anticipate county needs and avoid
stockouts," Tanui said.
He said Kemsa is
working to mobilise funds to clear pending payments to suppliers, which will
improve its ability to deliver commodities swiftly and restore confidence among
our partners.
Tanui said recapitalisation of the health system is a long-term
reform that will help strengthen Kemsa's financial foundation.
He said the reforms will involve seeking additional funds from development partners and exploring partnerships that will ensure sustainability.
Tanui at the same time raised concern over
inadequate funding facing the authority.
He said many counties are
struggling to pay for the HPTs they need.
Tanui called on the national government to address the challenge and establish a central account for Universal Health Care (UHT) where funds can be pooled for counties to draw from.
“This will make the process of
ordering and payment more efficient and ensure that counties can always access
the supplies they need, without delays or financial hurdles," he said.
"Central funding mechanism
will prevent counties from falling behind on payments, ensuring a continuous
supply of essential drugs.”