PSK's new leadership pushes for more pharmacists at KEMSA and stronger protections against quacks in Kenya’s healthcare system. [File Photo]
TWV News Desk Team
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has renewed its push to be recognised as a key player in Kenya’s healthcare delivery system, calling for a greater presence of pharmacists at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa). The demand comes amid a wider campaign by the Society’s new leadership to safeguard the pharmaceutical industry from infiltration by quacks and to ensure the safety, quality, and efficiency of the national drug supply chain.
Speaking during the inauguration of the new PSK leadership in Nairobi, incoming President Dr Wairimu Mbogo challenged the State to formally recognise the vital role played by pharmacists in managing health products and technologies. She expressed concern that only 2% of Kemsa staff are qualified pharmacists, in stark contrast to similar organisations like the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), where up to 70% of staff are trained pharmacists.
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Dr. Wairimu Mbogo, incoming President of PSK [Photo: Courtesy]
“We shall protect our supply chains when it comes to medicines,” Dr Mbogo declared. “Ironically, Kenyan pharmacists are the same consultants helping other countries build national supply chains, yet here at home, their expertise remains largely underutilised.”
The Society is now lobbying the government to fast-track key pharmacy-related legislation and policies, including the “Pharmacy as a Service Benefit Package”, which it wants submitted to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) panel through the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies (DHPT).
Dr Mbogo also raised alarm over the increasing infiltration of the industry by unqualified individuals, warning that patient safety and the integrity of the supply chain are at stake. She called on the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to tighten regulations and work closely with PSK to weed out imposters.
“As a profession protected by qualification, we must ensure only those who are certified and competent are allowed to practise,” she said, underscoring the importance of pharmacists in achieving safe and rational use of medicines.
Outgoing PSK President Dr Machogu echoed her sentiments, noting that pharmacists are the most optimised professionals when it comes to medicine use, manufacturing, supply chain consultancy, and pharmaceutical care.
“What we are saying is, let us have the right people in the right places,” he said. “Placing pharmacists in leadership positions at Kemsa will reduce wastage, ensure proper procurement, and improve utilisation. This can only happen when a pharmacist is making that decision.”
The Society has also committed itself to supporting Kenya’s efforts to reach the World Health Organisation’s Maturity Level 3 (ML3) for National Regulatory Authorities, a status that signifies a stable, well-functioning regulatory system. Dr Mbogo explained that achieving this goal depends heavily on how the country manages its pharmaceutical systems from production to patient delivery.
Recent reports of widespread wastage of expired drugs, mushrooming of unregulated online chemists, and an increase in counterfeit medication have fuelled PSK’s urgency. The new team believes strengthening professional oversight and expanding pharmacists’ roles in public health institutions is critical in tackling these challenges.
Dr Sammy Masibo, the Society’s incoming treasurer, said no meaningful discussion about Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can happen without involving pharmacists.
“The pharmacist is the most accessible healthcare professional,” he said. “We must focus on eliminating counterfeit drugs and quacks who undermine public trust in the sector. We are calling on the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.”
As a systems-strengthening partner, Laura Nabwire, the Country Director at Supply Health, praised the PSK’s growing influence, affirming that partners in the health sector are keen to work with the new leadership.
“Pharmacists in Kenya play a crucial role across the healthcare industry,” she said. “Leading an organisational capacity assessment for PSK has been an eye-opening experience. This new transition marks a significant step forward.”
With a revitalised leadership and a bold agenda, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya is positioning itself as a strategic pillar in the country’s health reforms, especially in efforts to professionalise and streamline the national drug supply chain. Whether the State will heed their call and integrate more pharmacists into Kemsa remains to be seen.
