The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) is calling on government to urgently address the dire state of Kenya’s healthcare system, magnified by recent events concerning Moderna’s departure and the ongoing doctor’s strike.
According to PSK President Dr Louis Machogu, the departure of Moderna from Kenya coupled with healthcare workers strike serves as a distressing reminder of the precarious state of our healthcare infrastructure.
“Let it be clear: Moderna’s withdrawal is not just a setback; it highlights the significant shortcomings in our regulatory oversight. Our inability to achieve ML3 status not only limits our competitiveness in global vaccine markets but also underscores the significant obstacles hindering our capability to develop crucial medications for diseases spanning from cancer to diabetes,” Dr Machogu said.
According to PSK, 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 a betrayal of the highest order.
PSK terms the inaction as a bureaucratic inertia that not only hampers ability to secure essential medications and vaccines but also undermines the President’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“We demand immediate action from the government: the swift passage of the KDA and Pharmacy Practice Bills, catapulting Kenya to ML3 status alongside our African counterparts in Tanzania, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria. Failure to act decisively not only condemns our nation to perpetual suffering but also signifies a profound dereliction of duty by those entrusted with safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans,” Dr Machogu said.
He added that, PSK vehemently condemns the recent statement by the Inspector General of Police, which blatantly undermines the constitutionally protected right to peaceful assembly and demonstration Under Article 37 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. Such disregard for fundamental human rights not only jeopardizes the safety of healthcare workers but also threatens the well-being of all Kenyan citizens.
“We stand resolutely with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in their justified demands. The failure to address these reasonable concerns not only undermines the morale of medical professionals but also directly impacts patient care across the nation.”
Dr Mqachogu said that PSK will remain steadfast in its commitment to advocating for a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of the people.
“We urge all stakeholders to join us in this urgent call to action for the sake of our nation’s health and future prosperity.”
