Mombasa to stop renewal of licenses for pharmacies near public hospitals to curb exploitation
Governor Abdulswamad explained that the move aims to address inefficiencies within public healthcare facilities, which he says have led to private pharmacies profiting from patients who are forced to buy medication outside public hospitals.
The Mombasa County government has announced it will not renew the licenses of pharmacies and chemists operating near public hospitals to tackle the exploitation of patients and curb unfair profits by these businesses.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir explained that the move aims to address inefficiencies within public healthcare facilities, which he says have led to private pharmacies profiting from patients who are forced to buy medication outside public hospitals.
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Speaking on Monday during a mass rollout for the Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, he stressed that the decision is crucial in ensuring patients do not fall victim to exploitation.
“We procured drugs worth Sh153 million in 2024, and this year we have added Sh72 million worth of medication. Yet patients are still being told there are no drugs in the hospitals. This is criminal,” he said.
“I have instructed that we will not renew licenses for chemists and pharmacies operating outside public hospitals. These businesses thrive because public facilities are not able to function effectively,” he added.
He announced that pharmacists working in public hospitals would also be required to explain why patients are being sent to purchase medicines from outside chemists when government-provided drugs are available but locked in hospital shelves.
Abdulswamad recounted his experience at Likoni Hospital, where patients were directed to buy medications from external chemists despite the availability of drugs within the hospital. He emphasised the need for digitisation to track the movement of drugs within the system and ensure patients receive the services they deserve.
“We want to track how drugs move within the system to ensure our people get the services they deserve. It is ethically wrong for patients to suffer while public facilities are stocked,” he said.
The move has sparked concern among the chemists who may oppose the directive, following a series of other controversial actions by the administration. In previous years, the county also banned Muguka and increased levies for bars, aiming to tackle drug abuse.
Governor Abdulswamad also revealed that public health facilities in Mombasa had 1.6 million users in 2024, but only 264,000 individuals were registered under the SHA programme. He highlighted the need for mass registration, especially in lower-level facilities, where treatment and medication are free.
“We are conducting training today to facilitate mass registration. At level 2 and 3 hospitals, treatment and medicines are free. The challenge lies with level 4 and higher facilities, where we need means-testing to determine patients’ ability to pay,” he explained.
During the event, attended by President William Ruto’s Economic Advisor Moses Kuria, Abdulswamad urged Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to focus on registering people for the SHA programme, as well as assisting those without identification cards to acquire them.
The Governor outlined plans to enhance digitisation in Mombasa’s health system, including a pilot programme at facilities such as Jomvu, Maleo, Shimo la Tewa, Magongo, and Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. The programme will use geo-fenced gadgets that cannot be moved to other locations, as part of efforts to increase transparency and efficiency.
“Digitisation will go beyond what other countries are doing. We are leading with systems that will ensure transparency and efficiency,” he said.
Abdulswamad also promised bursary forms for CHPs to help with their children’s education and announced upcoming training programs at KMTC Mombasa to enhance their skills.
He further called for unity in Mombasa, urging residents to reject divisive politics.
“Mombasa is a representative of all communities in Kenya. We will never allow divisive politics here. If you played your politics wrong, the consequences are yours alone. Our focus is to enrich the lives of the people of Mombasa County,” he said.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access, ensuring public resources are used for the benefit of all residents, and fostering an inclusive environment for all communities in Mombasa.
