Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has pledged to work closely with Kenya Medical Supplies Agency, KEMSA’s new Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jonah Manjari Mwangi to increase access to quality medical commodities in the counties.
A PSK delegation led by their President Dr. Louis Machogu observed that it was not only important to have an efficient supply chain systems but more importantly to ensure that there was efficient drug use at the county level.
On behalf of PSK, Dr Machogu endorsed the appointment of Dr. Manjari as the new KEMSA CEO and reassured their full support to KEMSA in the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“At PSK we say KEMSA is the largest pharmacy in Kenya and we commit to offer our full support to the CEO, so that together we are able to serve Kenyans and uphold ethics and professionalism in the healthcare industry,” he said.
Dr. Machogu said the society recognizes KEMSA as a premier institution and the largest pharmaceutical distributor in Kenya and will therefore work closely with KEMSA to promote a culture of professional responsibility and this will go beyond accountability.
“For UHC attainment, there is need for efficient commodity management and rational drug use at the health facility. PSK will therefore collaborate with KEMSA to deliver capacity building and mobilize funding jointly for this endeavor to be achieved,” he expressed.
He further urged the new CEO to ensure that the Operations department within KEMSA is staffed by pharmaceutical personnel with expertise in quality and supply chain management in order to provide highest quality of service delivery to all Kenyans.
KEMSA CEO Dr. Manjari expressed his gratitude to PSK for the warm welcome and assured them of his unequivocal professionalism in discharging his duties.
“I am incredibly honored to have your support and proud to help the society in fulfilling its mandate of upholding ethics in the practice of pharmacy,” he stated.
Dr. Manjari called on all the stakeholders to protect the local manufacturers and distributors to increase local manufacturer preference in procurement.
“I know the challenges in the Counties we need to regulate where commodities are coming from if we are to achieve UHC,” he asserted.