This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Four years ago, the Health ministry leased Sh38 billion worth of medical equipment for the 47 counties, a decision that continues to haunt the government with questions over transparency.
The programme, known as the Managed Equipment Scheme (MES), aimed to bring specialized treatment of cancer, diabetes, and other serious illnesses closer to the people. However, the rush to procure equipment did not come with a cogent plan to build capacity for usage, leaving the counties to foot the bill.
Each county initially paid Sh95 million per year, which was later increased to Sh200 million. The counties are now forking out a princely Sh9.4 billion a year, up from Sh4.5 billion, when the programme started in 2015.
According to the Auditor-General's report, the suppliers have never been paid, despite the money being deducted from allocations to the counties. The equipment, including kidney dialysis machines, X-ray and theatre equipment, and intensive care units, is gathering dust in some hospitals, leaving many to question the motive behind the programme.
The government says that equipping select public hospitals with modern equipment was meant to improve healthcare services. However, the lack of transparency and involvement of the governors in the project has raised doubts about its effectiveness.
As the latest row over the leased equipment confirms, there is a need to rethink the running of the Health ministry's key portfolio.
