Commodity security remains central to the delivery of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has said.
Oluga has further called for renewed leadership, innovation, and alignment in the management of Health Products and Technologies (HPTs).
Speaking during a strategic meeting with the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, the PS emphasised the urgency of building resilient systems.
“Health Products and Technologies management and local manufacturing are key. Our experience with centrally managed commodities—such as cancer drugs and COVID-19 supplies—has shown us the need for long-term sustainability,” he said.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga and Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth during the meeting/Handout
The PS urged the Directorate to align its plans with the Ministry of Health’s mandate and national priorities.
“Provide firm leadership. Ensure safety of HPTs—let the industry have confidence that our products are safe,” he stated.
Oluga challenged the Directorate to address recurring stockouts, eliminate substandard products, and build public trust in health commodities.
“We must ensure consistent access to vaccines and essential medicines. This is about restoring trust and delivering real outcomes,” he said.
The meeting brought together key divisions under the Directorate—including Quality Assurance, HPTs, and Traditional and Alternative Medicine—to review progress and set strategic priorities.
Areas of focus included promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthening national supply chain policy, updating clinical guidance and reviewing the Kenya National Pharmaceutical Policy.
The ministry is finalising four critical frameworks, including the Local Manufacturing Strategy
• National Supply Chain Strategy, Health Product Donations Strategy and Pharmacy Benefits Package
Dissemination of the updated Essential Medicines List is ongoing.
Recent achievements include the development of national oxygen delivery guidelines, aimed at improving access to life-saving respiratory care.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to invest in HPT research and support the safe integration of traditional medicine.
A draft policy and bill on Traditional and Alternative Medicine are under development.
The meeting was attended by Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Directorate Head Dr Tom Menge, and other senior officials.