The government is seeking the support of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK), even as the nation advances towards the implementation phase of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The new medical scheme includes the empanelment of Pharmacy Services, a significant addition that was previously excluded under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking during the 60th Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya Scientific Conference spearheaded by the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha assured that Community Pharmacies will be part of the Primary Care Network, as they will be registered and recognised as Service Providers.
“I want to call upon you to support us, as you are the people, who will fill the prescriptions on the special fund we have, the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund,” she said.
To expound, Nakhumicha highlighted that the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023 established the Social Health Authority, which oversees three distinct funds.
The first is the Primary Health Care Fund, which enables Kenyans to access medical services at levels 1, 2, and 3 hospitals without any out-of-pocket expenses. The second fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, mandates that Kenyans contribute 2.75% of their income. The third fund is the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, specifically designed to address the needs of individuals facing severe health conditions.
The CS said that health commodity security, local manufacturing, and achievement of maturity level 3 for the Pharmacy and Poisons Board are some of the key pillars that the ministry is noting steady progress on.
She noted that through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the state remains committed to the implementation of appropriate regulatory measures to achieve the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and quality for all drugs, chemical substances, and medical devices, whether locally manufactured or imported, exported, distributed, sold, or used.
Nakhumicha also emphasised the critical importance of ensuring that health professionals are well-supported and adequately cared for, enabling them to perform their duties diligently and effectively.
She underscored that the well-being of healthcare workers is essential for maintaining high standards of patient care and service delivery within the health sector.
“We can have the best infrastructure, the best facilities, and the best equipment, but if we don’t take care of the people who use the equipment and work in those facilities, then we will not be able to provide the required medical service to our people,” Nakhumicha reiterated.
The main objectives of this year’s conference are to ensure sustainable private sector distribution of health products and services, establish mechanisms for effective distribution, increase service variety and availability, and foster a robust market for essential health commodities.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) is a representative organisation that was formed to enable Pharmacists to employ their professional expertise in the care of patients and has more than 5000 registered members.
By Fatma Said
