Kenya goes digital in healthcare to fight fraud, counterfeit drugs
Duale said this move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the health sector.
All patient interactions, prescriptions, and medical transactions in Kenya will now be digitally recorded to curb fraud, theft, and the spread of counterfeit drugs, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.
Speaking during the 45th Annual Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) in Mombasa, Duale said this move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the health sector. He said digital records will also enhance the tracking of pharmaceutical activities.
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“Every patient interaction, prescription, and transaction will now be digitally recorded and tracked, significantly reducing opportunities for manipulation, theft, and the circulation of counterfeit medicines,” Duale said.
He urged the public to support the Ministry’s efforts to digitise healthcare services, including plans to integrate community pharmacies into the national digital superhighway.
Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to grow local pharmaceutical manufacturing under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya policy. He said this will boost job creation and reduce dependence on imported medicines.
After touring exhibitions by local producers, Duale challenged PSK to help identify policy barriers and push for reforms that would unlock the sector’s full potential.
He said PSK’s input is crucial in defining the pharmacy benefit package under Universal Health Coverage (UHC), supporting the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to meet international standards, and ensuring proper regulatory alignment.
He listed five key policy areas that will guide pharmaceutical reforms, with digitisation taking top priority. He said this will strengthen the track-and-trace system and wipe out fake and low-quality medical products.
Duale also called for the inclusion of pharmacy services in UHC benefits and urged PSK to safeguard public access and uphold quality standards.
He was accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth. Also present were PSK President Dr Louis Somoni Machogu and Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chair Dr Charles Githinji.
Duale said the reforms are a timely opportunity to build public trust and deepen partnerships across the health sector.
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