CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN MEDICINES SUPPLIED AND MEDICINES PATIENTS RECEIVE
The Ministry of Health is calling for stronger hospital pharmacy systems and improved stock management to ensure medicines procured for health facilities reach the patients who need them.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga said that although the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has an order fill rate of 90–92 per cent, access to essential medicines at patient level remains as low as 51 per cent in some facilities.
Speaking at the KEMSA National Conference on Health Product Procurement and Supply Chain at Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru County, Dr. Oluga urged hospital pharmacists to work closely with doctors, nurses and other health professionals to improve forecasting, prevent stock-outs, reduce wastage and promote the safe use of medicines.
He called for functional, multidisciplinary Medicines and Therapeutics Committees, with pharmacists actively involved in decisions on medicine selection, procurement, costs and patient safety.
The conference is expected to validate a harmonised list of health products, prioritise new requirements and establish quantities to guide procurement for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Dr. Oluga also highlighted health reforms focused on expanding digital health systems, reducing the cost of medicines and supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing. He said these efforts must result in better services and improved patient outcomes.