DNK International By XAVIER LUGAGA, Scoop News Agency.
Paul Otuoma has ordered the immediate closure of all chemists operating adjacent to the Busia County Referral Hospital in a bold move aimed at sealing alleged drug leakages and restoring integrity at the county’s largest health facility.
The directive, issued after an impromptu early morning inspection of the hospital, is expected to render dozens jobless and could see investors lose millions of shillings in shuttered pharmaceutical businesses.
However, the Governor insists the crackdown is necessary to guarantee consistent availability of drugs within the public facility.
Dr. Otuoma said his visit followed disturbing reports that some chemists operating near the hospital are allegedly owned by members of staff,a situation he described as a serious conflict of interest and a possible conduit for diversion of drugs meant for patients.
“This situation raises serious concerns of conflict of interest and possible diversion of drugs meant for patients.Consequently, I have ordered the immediate closure of all drug stores and related businesses operating around the hospital. Any structures housing such establishments will be demolished should this directive not be fully complied with,” the Governor stated.
The decision follows recent concerns raised in the Senate, where Edwin Sifuna flagged irregularities and possible systemic weaknesses in county health facilities, putting Busia’s drug supply system under scrutiny.
Beyond the closures, Dr. Otuoma has directed the hospital management to urgently restore full operations in critical units, including the renal unit and CT scan services, noting that adequate funds are available to repair or replace faulty equipment.
“My Administration remains firmly committed to protecting public resources and ensuring efficient, transparent, and quality healthcare service delivery for our people,” he added.
The move has drawn mixed reactions across Busia town.
While chemist operators and workers fear economic ruin, many residents welcomed the decision.
“At least we shall get drugs when we need them,” said one resident outside the hospital gates.
Healthcare stakeholders say the coming days will determine whether the directive strengthens service delivery or triggers legal and economic battles between the county government and affected business owners.
For now, Busia’s health sector stands at a crossroads, balancing public accountability against private enterprise in a crackdown that could redefine healthcare governance in the border county.
[DNK-International@February 20,2026]
