The Senate Committee on Health has lauded the county government of Kiambu over automation of operations in hospitals and drug storage.

Committee chairperson Senator Jackson Mandago, who had led his team on a fact-finding tour of the Kiambu Level 5 Hospital over the ongoing nationwide doctors’ strike, said they were impressed by enhanced efficiency in provision of health services.

The senators who included Kiambu’s Karungo wa Thang’wah also lauded governor Kimani Wamatangi over proper management of health facilities including provisions of drugs.

Mandago said the hospital was able to keep proper inventories of drugs in the store and pharmacy and asked other regional governments to emulate the Kiambu example.  “We have noted that the pharmacy and the drug stores are running very well, automated and very accurate. Among the counties we have visited, in terms of inventory and management of drugs and non-pharmaceuticals, I would say Kiambu has done extremely very well,” said Mandago.

He said despite the doctors’ strike, the hospital was operating with limited staff members, given that it offers medical services to neighbouring counties including Nairobi.

“We have noted that services are fairly running with the available staff. One of the things we have learnt is that consultants who are on call are able to come when they are required. However, a number of doctors are away because of the strike,” remarked the Uasin Gishu Senator.

Thang’wah said Senators were impressed by the findings at the facilities after they found it well stocked with drugs as well as the digitisation process.

“We have gone to most of the hospital wards, the drugs store and the inventory and as the Chair has said, we are impressed with the issue of drug management. What we counted in the store is what we saw in the computer,” he said.