The healthcare environment in Kenya is changing very fast. Digital tools are becoming integral in facilitating access to healthcare services. The emergence of e-pharmacies is one of the most innovative ways. These are online stores where people can purchase drugs through the internet. Although currently operating in a niche market within the pharmacy industry, these stores are growing very fast.
Online drug sales have seen an increase over the last decade, especially since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Kenya. E-pharmacies provide convenience and an innovative way to purchase medicines, especially for patients with chronic illnesses who need their prescriptions refilled regularly. Features such as nation-wide delivery services, mobile payment, and online consultations make e-pharmacies an ideal solution.
However, it is important to note that the pharmacy industry in Kenya is dominated by more than 5,000 physical pharmacies. The nascent but growing e-pharmacy segment is making headway through the incorporation of digital elements in the business, such as websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms like WhatsApp.
When it comes to regulations, Kenya leads the pack among other countries in terms of its regulatory framework around e-pharmacies. It has guidelines formulated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) that address issues of licensing, prescription management, patient care, and data protection.
However, the problem is not about creating the policies, but about putting them into practice. As studies show, many e-pharmacies fail to comply with their regulation. There is a problem with the prescription checking procedure, patient counselling services, and safety screening procedures.
As far as the quality of healthcare service is concerned, it is important to say that in almost three-fourths of the cases when there was no prescription shown, the prescription-only medications were still prescribed, which creates a problem with patient safety.
Also, safety tests, such as checking allergies, pregnancy, or any possible drug interactions are not performed before dispensing the medication. In addition, patient counselling and providing clear instructions for taking medications is rare among e-pharmacies.
Fortunately, the quality of the medicines supplied by e-pharmacies is high enough; however, some isolated examples of low-quality or even falsified drugs, including antibiotics, need special attention.
Nevertheless, not all e-pharmacies operate on the same level. Large, well-established e-pharmacy websites tend to adhere more strongly to regulatory guidelines and uphold better standards of patient care. In fact, such market leaders are almost twice as likely as other e-pharmacies to handle patient communication appropriately by ensuring that medications are authorized and providing accurate information.
This suggests that stakeholders could work with large e-pharmacy websites to improve overall standards within the industry.
It is worth noting that contrary to popular belief, the study contradicts the idea that online pharmacies are less safe than their traditional counterparts. Indeed, despite cases of inappropriate medication dispensation in both environments, e-pharmacies are less likely to dispense prescription drugs without authorization than traditional pharmacies.
However, both sectors have similar system weaknesses, namely, inadequate medication safety procedures and counselling, indicating that reform efforts should be aimed at the entire sector.
In order for e-pharmacies to realize their full potential and protect patients at the same time, changes must be made. Important steps forward should include:
- Rigorously enforcing regulations with better monitoring and regulation compliance
- Finding ways to improve prescription verification procedures, including the use of e-prescriptions
- Taking necessary steps to improve safety for patients, such as screening and medication advice
- Maintaining medicine quality through better tracking and authentication systems
E-pharmacies are an innovative step forward that has the ability to change the healthcare sector in Kenya. However, there needs to be a balance between convenience and safety, especially since regulations exist. While the regulation system is strong in Kenya, the need for strict enforcement and quality services remains vital.
With digitalization becoming more prominent in Kenya, a cooperative effort will be necessary in forming the perfect ecosystem for e-pharmacies.
