The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) is taking significant steps to improve the efficiency of its medical supply chain, reinforcing the country’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This was highlighted during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Mombasa, where KEMSA’s CEO, Dr. Waqo Ejersa, outlined the authority’s progress and ongoing efforts.
Dr. Ejersa revealed that KEMSA’s current order fill rate stands at 56%, with back-order fulfillment increasing it to 65%. However, the organization aims to achieve an optimal target of between 80% and 90%. He assured stakeholders that KEMSA is actively working to enhance its procurement and distribution processes to meet this goal.
“We are on our way there,” Dr. Ejersa stated, underscoring the measures being implemented to boost efficiency in the supply of essential medical commodities. The authority’s focus remains on ensuring commodity security, which is vital for the realization of UHC in Kenya.
One of the significant challenges affecting KEMSA’s efficiency is the issue of outstanding debts from county governments and other stakeholders. Dr. Ejersa confirmed that discussions with county governments and relevant authorities are ongoing to expedite the settlement of these debts. He emphasized that the authority is leveraging legal frameworks such as the Facility Improvement Fund and the Social Health Authority to stabilize its financial standing. These measures are intended to enhance seamless operations and ensure a steady supply of medical commodities nationwide.
In addition to addressing financial challenges, KEMSA is prioritizing the fight against corruption. The CEO acknowledged that corruption concerns have escalated since the COVID-19 pandemic, but he assured the public that the authority is implementing measures to curb malpractice. Among these measures are automation and cultural transformation initiatives designed to foster transparency and accountability.
“We are having culture change discussions this week, involving both the board and management, to instill a new mindset. Since COVID-19, corruption concerns escalated, but under the leadership of our chair, we are ensuring that corruption is a thing of the past at KEMSA,” Dr. Ejersa said.
KEMSA Board Chair Samuel Tunai reinforced the organization’s commitment to supporting the Kenya Kwanza government’s health agenda. He stressed the importance of ensuring the success of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which currently has 19.5 million Kenyans enrolled.
“As KEMSA, we have a very critical role to play in ensuring the success of this program. Our priority is to guarantee the availability of medicines across the country,” Tunai remarked.
With these concerted efforts, KEMSA aims to enhance the efficiency of Kenya’s medical supply chain, ensuring that healthcare facilities receive the necessary supplies to provide quality medical services to all citizens.
