By Winnie Osika
Multinationals in the health sector have established a strong presence in Kenya to serve as a gateway to the East African Market.
Med Tech and Health companies that focus on technologies and innovation, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics and prevention and treatment have secured a prominent footing in Kenya- terming the country as “potential and ripe ground for innovation, research and development in health. “
Siemens Healthineers, Roche and Fujifilm are gearing up to bolster health relations in East Africa, with Kenya serving as their launchpad into the region and other Sub-Saharan markets. Others like Snibe Diagnostic, (based in China) a bio-medical company specialized in clinical laboratory instruments and in vitro diagnostic reagents have also shown interest in establishing operations In Kenya.
Kenya hosted the Medic East Africa Exhibition, the largest health event in East Africa and the leading healthcare event platform in the region. The event brought together the entire healthcare and medical laboratory industry across Kenya and the region with over 200 exhibitors from 20 different countries across the world.
The main focus of the event was to empower the East Africa Health community through sharing best practices from government and private companies as well as learn from and celebrate players who are doing exemplary works in the health sector.
Global leader in innovation- China, represented the largest block of exhibitors with about 60 Chinese medical equipment manufacturers showcasing the latest devices designed to promote universal health care.
Daniel Green, exhibition manager at the Medic East Africa exhibition, said that with giants in health innovation like Snibe Diagnostic showing interest in Kenya, locals and the region are set to benefit from access to advanced healthcare through latest medical technologies.
“Medic East Africa is keeping health professionals at the forefront of healthcare advancement. Global leaders in innovation like China have brought their latest medical technology and this exhibition gives them a platform to showcase their innovation as well as seek partnerships with local companies in a move aimed at expanding in Kenya and the East African region at large. “Said Green.
Chinese medical equipment has been celebrated to be accessible even in remote areas since they are portable, easy to use and can provide high quality health service even in remote areas without reliable electricity.
Green added that health multinationals have shown interest in setting up shop in Kenya due to the conducive environment backed by support from government.
“A lot of the exhibitors are seeing Kenya as potential and ripe ground for health research and development as well as innovation. We have received a lot of government support through the Ministry of Health as well private sector partners whom we share with a common vision of empowering the East Africa health community. Kenya is the focal point of the East Africa region.” Said Green.
Kenya hosting Medic East Africa expo has put the country on the map as the gateway to accessing the East Africa healthcare market. The event offered a platform for industry professionals to connect, discover cutting-edge medical technologies, and stay ahead of the curve in healthcare advancements.
On the future of digital health, Green added that Integration of digital technologies has revolutionised how healthcare services are delivered and created new opportunities for improved patient outcomes as well as reduced costs.
“The future of digital health is rapidly evolving and transforming the industry. East Africa health companies and potentially pharmaceuticals are interested in and are now eyeing digital health in improving healthcare.” Said Green.
Among the exhibitors present at the expo were Crown HealthCare, Dedalus, Fujifilm, Siemens Healthineers, All Trusted Medical Ltd, Asco and Astra Biotech.
The expo additionally gave medical practitioners a platform to engage in discussions around healthcare leadership- Advancing a Thriving Healthcare Ecosystem in Kenya and East Africa, Primary Health Care for preventive health: Challenges and opportunities for achieving Universal Health Coverage, fostering innovative financing for UHC in Kenya and East Africa as well as Transformative partnerships for sustainable health financing- Unlocking the power of PPP initiatives.
Kenyan Government delegation present at the event included Principal Secretary State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muriuki, Principal Secretary State Department for Investment Promotion Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Abubakar Hassan Abubakar and Principal Secretary State Department of ICT and Digital Economy Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy Eng. John Kipchumba Tanu.
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