The scanner broke down soon after it was first used. The hospital took out a loan to get the machine working again
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 23 – The Council of Governors wants the Senate to form select committee to look into the acquisition of medical equipment under he Managed Equipment Services programme.
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o led the charge by demanding that the probe look at each of the five contracts isolated and a case-by-case analysis of the value for money made.
He explained that the contract has been varied noting that the initial contract was for Sh3.8 billion but it has later moved to Sh4.5 billion, then to Sh6.1 billion and later Sh9.6 billion.
Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, who is also the Kakamega Governor and Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony said they were forced into accepting the equipment citing that Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto who was the only county chief who rejected them, “was made to pay politically.”
The government has time and again been forced to defend its decision to centrally procure diagnostic equipment for counties under the medical equipment lease plan.
Under the lease scheme, Ministry of Health would equip at least two hospitals in every county and the equipment would be leased for seven years.
The contractor under the scheme undertakes to train personnel and maintain the equipment for the seven years.
The equipment is mainly meant to address treatment of cancer and renal diseases.
Some counties have been unable to make use of the since they do not have buildings for the equipment to be installed.
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