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Community pharmacy service providers will now be integrated into the Social Health Insurance Fund ecosystem under the Social Health Authority, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has revealed.

Nakhumicha who joined Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the official opening of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya International Scientific Conference 2024 at the Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, said pharmacists play a huge role in government’s journey towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Safety of health products

CS Nakhumicha says pharmacists ensure the security of health products and as a result, the government will integrate the community pharmacy service providers into SHIF as a way of recognizing their role.

“Joined Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the official opening of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya International Scientific Conference 2024 at the Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa. The Conference is part of the Society’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.

“Emphasized on the critical role of pharmacists in our quest for UHC, especially in ensuring security of health products. In recognition of this important role, community pharmacy service providers will now be integrated into the Social Health Insurance Fund ecosystem under the Social Health Authority,” Nakhumicha said in a statement via her official X account.

Regulatory measures

Nakhumicha stated that the government will implement appropriate regulatory measures to achieve the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and quality for all drugs, chemical substances, and medical devices.

“The government, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), remains committed to 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, imported, exported, distributed, sold, or used,” she said.

Joined Deputy President H.E @rigathi for the official opening of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya International Scientific Conference 2024 at the Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa. The Conference is part of the Society's 60th Anniversary celebrations.

Emphasized on the critical… pic.twitter.com/Q0EG61OMj1

— CS Nakhumicha S. Wafula (@Nakhumicha_S) June 12, 2024

Gachagua recognized the role of professionals in the Health sector, including Pharmacists, and pharmaceutical technologists in UHC’s achievement.

Realisation of UHC

The second in command stated that the President William Ruto-led administration remains committed to quicker realisation of UHC for a healthier and productive nation.

“We remain committed to quicker realisation of Universal Health Coverage for a healthier and productive nation. The role of professionals in the Health sector, including Pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, in UHC’s achievement is critical for the successful implementation of the programme, which is top of the Government’s agenda,” Gachagua said in a statement shared via his official X account.

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