By PBS
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has sounded an alarm over the existence of expired drugs in public health facilities, describing it as a national crisis that demands urgent action.
In his request for a statement from the Senate Committee on Health Senator Osotsi decried that the Auditor-General has, for three years running, flagged huge amounts of expired drugs in public hospitals.
"This is a matter that needs to be addressed urgently since it poses a great risk to the lives of Kenyans seeking treatment in public health facilities,” Osotsi told the Senate during plenary.
He questioned why county health facilities stock expired drugs despite the known risks. "Could there be possible collusion involving county staff or private health actors pilfering medicine meant for our people?" he asked pointedly.
Osotsi further raised concerns about the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), saying gaps in its supply chain may be contributing to the problem.
"Mr. Speaker, this House must get to the bottom of whether delivery failures or short shelf-life drugs are worsening this dire situation", he said.
Osotsi urged the Committee to explore leveraging technology to monitor expiry dates and consider regulating pharmacies operating near hospitals to stop exploitation.
“This Senate must act to protect patients and restore public confidence in our health system,” he concluded.
