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.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made this announcement during the 45th Annual Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) in Mombasa, where he called for public support as the Ministry advances the digitalisation of healthcare services, including the integration of community pharmacies into the national digital superhighway.
Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing through the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative, backed by a Presidential Directive, and emphasised the importance of innovation and regulation in improving health outcomes.
After touring exhibitions by local manufacturers, CS Duale appealed to PSK to help identify policy bottlenecks and champion the reforms needed to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Importance of Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya
He noted that PSK’s support is critical in shaping the pharmacy benefit package under UHC, supporting the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) in achieving WHO Maturity Level 3, and aligning regulatory standards with global best practices.
The CS also outlined five key policy priorities that will define the next phase of pharmaceutical regulation, top among them being digitisation to enhance track-and-trace systems and eliminate substandard health 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.
Meanwhile, PSK President Dr. Louis Machogu reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to advancing good pharmacy practice, transforming pharmaceutical care, and supporting the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill.
Duale, who was joined by Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, PSK President Dr. Louis Somoni Machogu, and Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chair Dr. Charles Githinji, among other senior officials, emphasised that the reforms present a critical opportunity to deepen public trust and build stronger partnerships across the health sector.
