Reliable access to safe, effective and affordable medicines remains central to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda as the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) marks 40 years of service to the health sector.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Aden Duale presided over the organisation’s 40th anniversary celebrations, reflecting on its contribution to the sourcing, testing, quality assurance, and distribution of essential medicines and health products since its establishment in 1986.

The CS insisted that Universal Health Coverage must be measured by the experience of patients at the point of care, including their ability to obtain medicines and health products that are safe, effective, affordable and meet the required quality standards.

“For four decades, MEDS has supported health facilities across the country by strengthening access to essential medicines and providing independent quality-testing services,” Duale reported.

Its commitment to quality, he added, is demonstrated by the World Health Organization prequalification it has maintained since 2009, ISO 9001:2015 certification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation attained in 2024.

In addition, the CS also recognised the contribution of faith-based health facilities to healthcare delivery under the Social Health Authority framework.

“A total of 876 faith-based facilities currently have active SHA contracts, with 530 using the system to transact,” announced Duale, revealing that the facilities have submitted claims valued at Sh41.1 billion, of which Sh29.8 billion has been settled.

Further, Duale affirmed that progress under SHA must be accompanied by continued improvements in claims processing and settlement.

Reliable and timely payments according to the CS will enable health facilities to maintain uninterrupted services and ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines and supplies.

He further highlighted the role of digital systems in improving accountability and visibility across the health sector.

“These reforms are being implemented alongside Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its health systems and regulatory capabilities towards attaining World Health Organization Maturity Level 3,” stated Duale.

Meanwhile, as MEDS enters its fifth decade, the CS called for greater investment in resilient supply chains, a skilled and adequately equipped health workforce, and strong independent quality-testing systems.

The celebrations also opened a new chapter for the organisation with the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited. The special-purpose vehicle will support MEDS’ expansion into the private market and provide a platform for exploring additional opportunities within the healthcare sector.

Present at the event were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni; Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa; Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Mohamed; MEDS Chairperson Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso; and MEDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wycliffe Nandama.

by Michael Omondi