Different antibiotics used in the treatment of different diseases in the bodyIn his New Year’s address, President William Ruto pointed to the foundations of economic stabilisation and highlighted the country’s readiness to move into high gear in executing its economic development plans. One of the most important ways this noble initiative can be achieved is by ensuring a constant supply of healthy human resources needed to drive sustainable economic growth.
This is crucial because economic stability has always been underpinned by progressive societies that thrive within sustainable healthcare models capable of meeting the wellness needs of their populations.
In the intricate web of modern healthcare—where diagnoses are made, treatments planned, and lives saved—one crucial link often remains underappreciated: The Pharmacist. Far beyond the counter of a local pharmacy, today’s pharmacists play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, effective, and accessible care for millions of patients who rely on medication.
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who serve as the final checkpoint between prescription and patient. They verify dosages, identify potential drug interactions, and tailor therapies to individual needs such as age, organ function, and allergies. Their expertise ensures that medications are not only effective but also safe.
They are vital contributors to Kenya’s healthcare system, charged with ensuring optimal medication therapy outcomes through the provision of key medical advice to patients on medication use. Over the past few years, the use of medication has continued to rise as wellness needs increase alongside population growth across the rural-urban divide. This has further expanded the role of pharmacists, as direct patient care continues to generate growing demand for their expertise and services.
Pharmacists play a critical role in translating complex medical instructions into practical, understandable guidance that patients can follow. They educate patients on proper medication use, potential side effects, food and drug interactions, and the importance of adherence—factors that directly influence treatment outcomes.
In an era of overburdened healthcare systems and long waiting times, pharmacists offer a universally accessible point of care. Often available without an appointment, they provide guidance on minor ailments, recommend over-the-counter treatments, and refer patients for further care when necessary. In many communities — especially rural or underserved areas — the local pharmacist is one of the most accessible healthcare professionals available.
Beyond dispensing medication, pharmacists increasingly contribute to public health efforts. They distribute vaccines, conduct health screenings for conditions like hypertension or diabetes, and support chronic disease management programs. Their involvement helps prevent disease progression, reduce hospitalisations, and improve the quality of life for patients with long-term health conditions.
In recent years, the government has placed significant emphasis on infrastructural and economic development, both of which require a healthy and capable workforce to be realised. This underscores the need for a healthy population to fill emerging labour and expertise gaps. To maintain population health, achieve the goals of universal healthcare, and guarantee sustained economic development, policymakers must recognise and support the critical role pharmacists play in delivering care and managing medication use across both urban and rural settings.
Beyond the safe and efficient distribution of medicines, pharmacists provide essential expertise on the appropriate use of medication, ensuring drugs are used for their intended purpose of restoring and maintaining health. Their role extends well beyond dispensing, encompassing the responsibility of ensuring that prescribed medications are suited to each patient’s specific clinical needs.
Compared to its neighbours and much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya has responded relatively well to the growing burden of chronic diseases. While existing mechanisms are not perfect and still have room for improvement, they have delivered positive outcomes. This relative success has been driven in large part by pharmacists, who have been instrumental in optimising medical therapy and serving as a first point of contact for patients seeking urgent treatment for common illnesses.
During public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists were instrumental in maintaining medication access, distributing vaccines, and delivering credible health information to the public. Their agility and community presence positioned them as essential frontline responders in times of urgent need. The Ministry of Health should prioritise strengthening these mechanisms for better preparedness in cases of epidemics and health emergencies.
As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the role of the pharmacist is more vital than ever. Pharmacists are not merely dispensers of medication; they are highly trained professionals who enhance patient safety, optimise treatment outcomes, and serve as trusted, accessible advisors within communities. Recognising and supporting their contribution is a necessary step toward building a safer, more efficient, and more equitable healthcare system.
The writer is the Chief Pharmacist at The Nairobi Hospital.