The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical practice as part of ongoing efforts to improve patient safety, expand access to quality medicines and accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during the opening of the 22nd Kenya Pharmaceutical Association Annual Scientific Conference in Mombasa, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, CBS, said the Government’s health sector reforms under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) are transforming healthcare delivery and ensuring more Kenyans access affordable, quality health services.
Muthoni said key reforms, including the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), promotion of local pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthening of primary healthcare, are laying the foundation for a more resilient and equitable health system.
She described pharmaceutical technologists as a critical pillar of Kenya’s healthcare system, noting that community pharmacies serve as the first point of contact for nearly 75 per cent of Kenyans seeking medical care.
“Pharmaceutical technologists are the backbone of primary healthcare. Their role in promoting the safe and rational use of medicines, strengthening disease prevention and supporting public health interventions is critical to improving health outcomes and advancing Universal Health Coverage,” she said.
The Principal Secretary called on pharmaceutical professionals to embrace innovation, uphold the highest ethical standards and work closely with the Government in ensuring medicines remain safe, accessible and of assured quality for all Kenyans.
She said collaboration between the Government, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders will be essential in strengthening pharmaceutical practice and responding to emerging healthcare challenges.
The three-day conference, held under the theme “Optimising Pharmaceutical Practice to Advance Patient Safety, Medicine Access and Healthcare Excellence,” has brought together pharmaceutical technologists, policymakers, regulators, researchers, academia and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, share best practices and identify practical solutions for improving pharmaceutical services and health outcomes in Kenya.
The conference is expected to generate recommendations that will support ongoing health sector reforms and strengthen the role of pharmaceutical professionals in delivering quality, patient-centred healthcare across the country.
