Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that every patient interaction, prescription, and transaction will now be digitally recorded and tracked as part of ongoing reforms in the health sector.

Speaking during the 45th Annual Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) in Mombasa on Wednesday, Duale said the move aims to reduce manipulation, theft, and the circulation of counterfeit medicines.

“Every patient interaction, prescription, and transaction will now be digitally recorded and tracked, significantly reducing opportunities for manipulation, theft, and the circulation of counterfeit medicines,” he said.

The CS called for public support as the ministry rolls out the digitalisation of healthcare services, including the integration of community pharmacies into the national digital superhighway.

He said the government remains committed to boosting local pharmaceutical production under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative, in line with a directive by the President. He emphasised the importance of innovation and regulation in improving health outcomes.

After touring exhibitions by local manufacturers, Duale asked PSK to help identify policy hurdles and push for reforms to unlock the sector’s full potential.

He said PSK has a key role to play in shaping the pharmacy benefit package under Universal Health Coverage, and in helping the Pharmacy and Poisons Board achieve WHO Maturity Level 3 by aligning regulations with international standards.

Duale outlined five key policy areas to guide pharmaceutical regulation, with digitisation at the centre. He said the goal is to strengthen track-and-trace systems and eliminate substandard medical products.

He also urged PSK to actively participate in integrating pharmacy services into UHC benefits, protecting access and ensuring quality.

The CS said the ongoing reforms present a chance to restore public trust and deepen collaboration across the health sector.

Duale was accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth. PSK President Dr Louis Somoni Machogu and Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chair Dr Charles Githinji also attended the event.