Every patient interaction, prescription, and transaction will now be digitally recorded, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.
Duale was speaking on Wednesday during the 45th Annual Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) in Mombasa.
''Every patient interaction, prescription, and transaction will now be digitally recorded and tracked, significantly reducing opportunities for manipulation, theft, and the circulation of counterfeit medicines," Duale said.
Speaking during the conference, the CS called for public support as the ministry advances the digitalisation of healthcare services, including the integration of community pharmacies into the national digital superhighway.
He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to boosting local pharmaceutical production under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative, in line with a Presidential Directive, while highlighting the critical role of innovation and regulation in enhancing health outcomes.
After visiting exhibitions by local manufacturers, Duale urged PSK to assist in identifying policy hurdles and advocate for reforms to fully unlock the sector’s potential.
He stressed that PSK’s involvement is vital in shaping the pharmacy benefit package under UHC, supporting the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) in attaining WHO Maturity Level 3, and aligning regulatory frameworks with international standards.
The CS highlighted five core policy priorities set to guide the next phase of pharmaceutical regulation, with a primary focus on digitization to strengthen track-and-trace systems and eliminate substandard medical products.
He also highlighted the integration of pharmacy services into UHC benefits, urging PSK to take an active role in protecting access and ensuring quality.
Duale was accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and the Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
PSK President Dr Louis Somoni Machogu, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chair Dr Charles Githinji, and other senior officials were also present.
Duale stressed that the ongoing reforms offer a vital chance to strengthen public confidence and foster deeper collaboration within the health sector.
