AVAILABILITY AND ADEQUACY OF ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES USED IN PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA

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Published May 27, 2026

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JOASH OKINYI
Student, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya
EMMANUEL ODERO KEYA
Lecturer, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya
PEREZ A. OBONYO
Lecturer, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya

Abstract

Pediatric critical care requires reliable access to essential medications, functional equipment, adequate supplies and dedicated care space. This article assessed the availability, adequacy and functionality of essential medications, equipment and supplies used in pediatric critical care in public hospitals in Siaya County, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design was used. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to healthcare professionals and facility-level personnel in eight public health facilities. The study targeted 60 respondents, and 57 complete responses were obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize Pediatric Intensive Care Unit space, availability and adequacy of equipment and supplies, functionality of equipment and availability of selected essential medicines. The findings showed that dedicated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit space was almost absent, with only one facility reporting availability of such space. Although some equipment was available, most respondents reported that it was inadequate or poorly functional. Basic medicines such as ceftriaxone, inotropes, antipyretics and oral rehydration salts were more consistently available, while specialized critical care medicines were less reliable.

Article Details

Issue
Vol 7 No 1 (2026)
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

JOASH OKINYI, Student, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya

Student, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya

EMMANUEL ODERO KEYA, Lecturer, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya

Lecturer, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya

PEREZ A. OBONYO, Lecturer, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya

Lecturer, The Gertrudes Institute of Child Health and Research, Kenya

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