Challenges Facing the Healthcare System in Kenya - PSK

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has issued an urgent statement addressing the dire state of Kenya's healthcare system, which has been exacerbated by recent events, including Moderna's departure and the ongoing doctors' strike.

The PSK vehemently condemns the statement made by the Inspector General of Police, which they say undermines the constitutionally protected right to peaceful assembly and demonstration. This disregard for fundamental human rights not only jeopardizes the safety of healthcare workers but also threatens the well-being of all Kenyan citizens.

The PSK stands firmly with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in their justified demands, emphasizing that the failure to address these reasonable concerns not only undermines the morale of medical professionals but also directly impacts patient care across the nation.

Moderna's withdrawal from Kenya serves as a distressing reminder of the precarious state of the country's healthcare infrastructure. The PSK argues that this setback highlights the significant shortcomings in regulatory oversight, limiting Kenya's competitiveness in global vaccine markets and hindering its capability to develop crucial medications for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

The government's inaction, particularly its failure to expedite the passage of critical healthcare legislation such as the Kenya Drug Authority (KDA) and Pharmacy Practice Bills, is seen as a betrayal by the PSK. This bureaucratic inertia not only hampers the country's ability to secure essential medications and vaccines but also undermines the President's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

In its statement, PSK demands immediate action from the government, including the swift passage of the KDA and Pharmacy Practice Bills, as well as efforts to catapult Kenya to ML3 status alongside its African counterparts in Tanzania, Egypt, and Rwanda. Failure to act decisively, they warn, will condemn the nation to perpetual suffering and signify a profound dereliction of duty by those entrusted with safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of the people, and they urge all stakeholders to join them in this urgent call to action for the sake of Kenya's health and future prosperity.