CS Duale unveils digital plans to improve healthcare systems

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has emphasized the importance of improving healthcare services through digital transformation and local manufacturing support. 

During the recent Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) meeting, Duale highlighted the government’s dedication to enhancing the pharmaceutical sector as part of the universal health care coverage.

He announced that the digital health system is aiming at recording and tracking every patient’s prescription and transaction.

“This initiative will increase significantly and reduce opportunities for manipulation, theft and the circulation of counterfeit medicines, digital integration will also bring community pharmacies into the national digital superhighway."

The CS emphasized that the reforms align with the Presidential Buy Kenya, Build Kenya directive which seeks to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports.

“We want to unlock the full potential of the local industry. We are counting on PSK to help identify policy bottlenecks and champion necessary reforms,” he said.

CS Duale outlined key policy priorities, including digitization and advanced tracking system, to ensure accountability and eliminate substandard medical products. He urged the PSK to contribute towards shaping Kenya’s pharmacy benefit package under UHC.

The PSK president Dr. Louis also expressed the society’s commitment to promoting good pharmacy practices and policy reforms to enhance healthcare efficiency and safety.

“We are committed to transforming pharmaceutical care and supporting health system efficiency and safety,” Dr. Louis stated.