Troubled Thika Level 5 Hospital receives KSh10M drugs after public uproar

The troubled Thika Level 5 Hospital has received drugs worth KSh10 million to save it from total collapse after it was almost deserted for lack of drugs and other essential medical items.

This comes weeks after a public outcry where leaders - including Thika MP Alice Ng'ang'a - threatened to mobilize their constituents and storm the hospital if the county administration does not respond.

The drugs that were brought in by two trucks was a relief to patients who have been in the past forced to buy medicines from private pharmacies.

While flagging off the new consignment of drugs and non-pharmaceutical supplies, Kiambu Health Services CECM Dr. Elias Maina warned that any medic found sending patients to buy medicine from chemists will not be tolerated. He said the drugs are enough to last a whole month. The new CECM however hinted that more drugs were in the pipeline.

Warning to medics

The county administrator said the delay was occasioned by stringent procurement procedures at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).

Dr. Maina issued a warning to hospital workers who smuggle drugs from county hospitals and take them to private clinics, urging residents to be watchful of such thieves.

"We are clever now and if anyone tries to steal, they will be punished," he warned.

Residents thanked the county government and urged it to be vigilant that the drugs may not find their way out.