PS Oluga underscores commodity security as pillar of UHC delivery
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by prioritizing Commodity Security as a pillar of healthcare delivery.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga called for renewed leadership, innovation, and alignment in the management of Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) to build a resilient health system.
“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.
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,” Dr. Oluga stated.
Consequently, he 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 PS remarked that the health ministry is finalising four critical frameworks namely: Local Manufacturing Strategy, National Supply Chain Strategy, Health Product Donations Strategy as well as Pharmacy Benefits Package.
Dissemination of the updated Essential Medicines List is currently underway while notable progress has been made in developing national oxygen delivery guidelines to expand access to life-saving respiratory care.
The Ministry plans to invest in HPT research and support the safe integration of traditional medicine with a draft policy and bill on Traditional and Alternative Medicine currently under development.
The meeting was attended by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Directorate Head Dr. Tom Menge, and other senior officials.