Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika addressed concerns regarding expired HIV drugs at Nakuru Level V Hospital, stating that the drugs were retained pending audits by Global Fund and had expired prior to 2022. The hospital, according to health officials, cannot dispose of expired drugs without formal approval. The Auditor General’s report criticized hospital management for not preventing expired drug retention, noting possible risks to patient safety.
In response to concerns regarding expired HIV drugs at Nakuru Level V Hospital, Governor Susan Kihika has clarified that the drugs in question expired prior to 2022 and had been retained due to pending assessments by Global Fund auditors. According to Kihika, the expired medication has not been prescribed since treatment protocols changed, negating their usage.
Kihika’s statements were supported by Roselyn Mungai, the head of the Nakuru County Department for Health Services, who emphasized that the drugs were donations from a development partner. The change in user protocol rendered these program medicines unsuitable for treatment. Mungai explained that the hospital cannot dispose of expired drugs without formal authorization to ensure compliance with disposal regulations.
Mungai further clarified that a portion of the expired drugs consisted of short-expiry donations from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KeMSA), intended for facilities with high volume. She confirmed that these drugs were not bought by the county and were not counted among essential medicines. Both officials noted that an audit is required before the destroyed drugs can be eliminated from stock.
The issue has come to attention following the Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s 2023/2024 report, which criticized Nakuru Hospital for not properly managing expired inventory, highlighting the potential risk to patient safety. During an audit on October 8, 2024, auditors found expired drugs and supplies, valued at Sh1.8 million, still in storage. Gathungu pointed to weak internal controls and an inadequate structure for regulating drug procurement as significant issues needing urgent attention. In the financial year of 2023/2024, Nakuru County acquired Sh114.6 million worth of drugs and supplies from KeMSA and other suppliers.
In summary, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Nakuru County Department for Health Services head Roselyn Mungai have clarified the retention of expired HIV drugs at Nakuru Level V Hospital, attributing it to procedural requirements pending Global Fund audits. The situation highlights systemic issues related to drug procurement and disposal. Enhanced oversight and adherence to established protocols are crucial to ensure patient safety and compliance with health regulations.
Original Source: allafrica.com
