Health CS Aden Duale has outlined five key government priorities that will guide the next frontier of pharmacy and health products regulation.
Duale affirmed the government's firm focus on transforming the pharmaceutical sector into a self-reliant, technologically driven and patient-centred system that guarantees universal health coverage.
“Local manufacturing is not negotiable. It is a national security priority, an economic stimulus and a public health necessity. We are committed to making Kenya a regional pharmaceutical hub,” Duale said.
He was speaking on Wednesday at the 45th annual Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) Scientific Conference held at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa.
Duale called on PSK to play a leading role in attracting investment, designing progressive policies and ensuring strict quality control for locally manufactured products.
“We need PSK’s leadership in investment promotion, policy design and quality assurance processes,” he said.
Duale also announced that the Health Ministry is upgrading the pharmacovigilance system, shifting from passive to active surveillance of adverse drug reactions.
He urged pharmacists to take the lead in reporting, monitoring and educating both the public and prescribers.
“Pharmacists must lead in reporting, analysing and educating the public and prescribers alike as proposed in the draft Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill that is currently undergoing public participation,” he said.
Digitising the pharmaceutical value chain is a top priority under the government’s Digital Health Superhighway initiative.
The transition includes electronic prescriptions and digital dispensing; national track-and-trace systems for medicines; real-time drug utilisation dashboards; and digital inventory and claims management.
“Pharmacists must champion this transition. You are the bridge between systems, patients, and outcomes. Never again shall we witness medicines expiring in Kemsa or any of our public health facilities,” he said.
The ministry is phasing out paper records in favour of a fully digitised health information system that will document every prescription, patient interaction and facility transaction.
He praised Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir for his county being the first to fully digitise its health system and urged other devolved units and pharmacists to follow suit.
In an effort to expand access to quality care, the Ministry is integrating pharmacy services into the Universal Health Coverage benefits package.
This includes proper costing and reimbursement of services such as dispensing, patient counselling and chronic disease support.
Duale said the Social Health Authority’s Benefit Package and Tariff Advisory Panel, where pharmacists now have representation, will ensure pharmacy services are prioritised.
Two pharmacists have been nominated and gazetted to the SHA benefits panel to represent the profession.
“The SHA’s Benefits Package and Tariff Advisory Panel is currently working to cost services across the system. Pharmacy services – dispensing, therapeutic counselling, chronic care support – must be funded and equitably reimbursed. I urge PSK to engage fully in this process to protect access and quality,” he said.
Duale also reiterated the government’s commitment to combat counterfeit medicines, warning that rogue operators will face the full force of the law.
“Many fake drugs in circulation are being sold in community pharmacies owned by your members. That must stop. We will use our new digital systems and track-and-trace technology to ensure fake drugs never reach our people,” he warned.
The CS announced actions already implemented by the Ministry to support the pharmaceutical workforce and infrastructure including posting 500 intern pharmacists to begin service on August 1.
A new directorate for Health Products and Technologies, headed by a senior pharmacist, has also been created within the Health Ministry.
Duale also revealed that the government is working to help the Pharmacy and Poisons Board attain World Health Organisation Maturity Level 3, a global benchmark for regulatory capacity.
He also committed to accelerating the passage of the Health Products and Technologies Authority Bill, which seeks to streamline the regulation of health products and create a modern, autonomous authority.
“The aim is to create a modern, efficient, and independent regulatory environment that can keep up with evolving science and practice,” he said.
