NAIVASHA, October 13 — The Government has called for stronger pharmacist leadership, evidence-based health products planning and closer collaboration between hospitals and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to improve the availability of essential health products and technologies (HPTs).

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking in Naivasha, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga said effective management of medicines and other health products is fundamental to delivering quality healthcare and achieving Universal Health Coverage.

He said procurement alone does not guarantee that medicines will be available when and where patients need them, stressing the need for pharmacists to play a more strategic role in determining the products required, quantities and timing of procurement.

“Pharmacists must be at the centre of determining what products are needed, in what quantities and when, based on consumption data, clinical evidence and service requirements,” the PS said.

📌 What You Need to Know

He said better quantification and forecasting, rational use of medicines, effective inventory management and stronger accountability throughout the health products supply chain would help ensure public resources are directed towards actual patient and facility needs.

Oluga also highlighted progress in KEMSA’s transformation, including improvements in Order Fill Rate, order turnaround times and service delivery.

He said the gains must be sustained through accurate forecasting, stronger collaboration with health facilities and clear accountability, adding that the ultimate measure of supply chain performance is whether patients can access the products they need.

The PS called for closer coordination between KEMSA and health facilities, noting that timely and accurate information from hospitals is essential for national procurement planning.

He said health facilities, in turn, require a predictable and responsive supply of medicines and other essential health products to support uninterrupted service delivery.

The remarks were made during a five-day conference running from October 11 to 15 under the theme, “Strengthening Pharmacist Leadership and Strategic HPT Management for Sustainable Health System Resilience.”

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya