Kemsa to destroy expired drugs worth billions

 

 Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has sought the cabinet's approval to destroy expired drugs, medical equipment and other non-pharmaceuticals.

According to Kemsa chairman Irungu Nyakera, the consignment set for destruction is worth more than Ksh1.8 billion.

The authority noted some of the drugs were donor-funded and failed to be delivered to the target groups and health facilities on time.

"Last Financial year, we recorded the largest consignment meant for destruction which is worth more than Ksh1.8 billion. The drugs were donor-funded and there was a delay in communication on where to take the drugs while others were programme medicines which have become disease resistant," Nyakera said.

Adding;

"The largest consignment which is set for destruction includes HIV/Aids drugs that were introduced due to drug resistance."

This comes after acting Kemsa Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mulwa and his departmental heads were grilled over the expiry of medicine worth Ksh150 million in 2018.

The top management appeared before the Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture for an audit review of the Auditor-General’s Report regarding the financial statements of KEMSA for the year ended 2017/2018.

According to the auditor's revelations, drugs worth Ksh150 million expired or were damaged under the watch of Kemsa management.     BY K24 NEWS