The Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) has entered Kenya's private healthcare market with the launch of a new commercial company, MEDS Devane Company Limited (MDCL). The company will begin operations on November 1, supplying private hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, distributors, and other healthcare institutions with medicines, medical consumables, diagnostics, laboratory products, and medical equipment. MDCL will also provide infection prevention and control solutions, orthopedic implants, and other specialized healthcare products.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale launched MDCL in Nairobi during MEDS' 40th anniversary celebrations, alongside the MEDS-Strathmore Supply Chain Academy. Duale commended MEDS for its contribution to quality assurance, particularly its collaboration with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board in laboratory testing and post-market surveillance to identify substandard and falsified health products. MEDS has been recognized for its quality assurance systems, including WHO pre-qualification since 2009, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
MDCL Board Chair Rt Rev Benard Owuor stated that the company aims to combine commercial sustainability with MEDS' longstanding commitment to healthcare access and quality. The company's Acting General Manager, MEDS Chief Executive Officer Wycliffe Nandama, emphasized the importance of quality assurance and dependable supply chains. Nandama noted that healthcare customers require more than just products on a shelf; they need quality assurance, dependable availability, timely delivery, professional support, and a partner who understands the impact of every product supplied on patient care.
The launch of MDCL comes as Kenya continues to strengthen its healthcare supply systems amid efforts to improve access to quality and affordable medicines. MEDS, established in 1986 by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Christian Health Association of Kenya, has grown significantly over the years. The organization now serves healthcare facilities across all 47 counties and has more than 10,000 clients. Its WHO-prequalified Quality Control Laboratory has supported quality assurance activities in more than 46 countries.
MEDS' new company is designed to respond to the needs of private healthcare providers who require reliable access to quality-assured products, consistent supplies, and timely delivery. The company will initially focus on Kenya before expanding into selected East African markets. Duale highlighted the role of faith-based healthcare providers in the government's Universal Health Coverage agenda, citing that 876 faith-based health facilities currently have active contracts with the Social Health Authority.
The MEDS-Strathmore Supply Chain Academy is expected to build on MEDS' work by strengthening skills in healthcare supply-chain management. The academy will support the development of healthcare professionals and contribute to the growth of a skilled workforce in the sector. Duale urged MEDS to maintain its focus on quality while investing in systems and skills needed to meet future healthcare demands.
MEDS has made significant contributions to Kenya's healthcare sector over the years, stocking more than 2,000 health products and technologies. The organization's health systems strengthening programmes reach more than 20,000 healthcare workers annually. With the launch of MDCL, MEDS is poised to expand its reach and impact in the private healthcare market, while maintaining its commitment to quality and accessibility.
Key points
- MEDS launches commercial company to supply private healthcare providers in Kenya with quality-assured products and services.
- The new company, MDCL, will initially focus on Kenya before expanding into selected East African markets.
- MEDS aims to combine commercial sustainability with its longstanding commitment to healthcare access and quality through MDCL.
