In a significant move to improve healthcare services and boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing, the government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health, has joined forces with the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK). This collaboration aims to advance key pharmacy reforms and strengthen the country’s ability to produce medicines domestically.
The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, met with the PSK President, Dr. Wairimu Njuki, to discuss strategies for enhancing the role of pharmacists in ensuring the quality, safety, and accessibility of medicines and healthcare services. During their meeting, Muthoni emphasized the importance of pharmacists as critical frontline health providers, especially in the areas of quality control and regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical sector.
A major focus of the discussions was the fast-tracking of the Quality Health Pharmaceutical Services (QHPS) and Pharmacy Practice Bills. These pieces of legislation are expected to set new standards for pharmaceutical services, improving both the delivery of health services and the regulatory environment for medicines. The government plans to operationalize the Bioequivalence Hub, a key initiative to foster local pharmaceutical manufacturing and ensure that locally produced medicines meet the same high standards as international counterparts.
To achieve these objectives, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with PSK, has committed to several key reforms. These include strengthening workforce planning to ensure an adequate number of qualified pharmacists across the country. The collaboration will also focus on standardizing pharmacist training, introducing continuous professional development programs, and expanding the leadership role of pharmacists in both supply chains and public health programs.
The partnership between the government and PSK reflects a shared commitment to transforming the pharmaceutical sector, improving healthcare delivery, and reducing the country’s dependency on imported medicines. By improving the capacity for local manufacturing and ensuring that pharmacists are equipped with the necessary skills and resources, this initiative is poised to contribute to Kenya’s long-term health and economic goals.
Through these reforms, Kenya aims to create a robust, sustainable healthcare system that is both self-reliant and capable of delivering high-quality services to all its citizens.
