Equity Afya has opened its second standalone community pharmacy in Nairobi, expanding its healthcare model beyond medical consultations to address access to medicines at the last mile.
The new pharmacy at Bruce House, opposite Cardinal Otunga Plaza, is the first Equity Afya pharmacy to be owned and operated by a franchisee, marking a shift towards a community-facing retail model alongside the organization’s network of medical centers.
Equity Afya operates 154 medical centres
Equity Afya currently operates 154 medical centers across Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with each facility having an in-house pharmacy.
The new model, developed in partnership with the Gates Foundation, is intended to bring essential medicines and everyday healthcare products closer to consumers while creating opportunities for healthcare professionals to establish sustainable enterprises.
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Healthcare entrepreneurship model
Dr. Denis Ogolla, Managing Director of Equity Afya, said the model was based on the belief that entrepreneurship could help expand access to healthcare while creating sustainable businesses.
“Healthcare entrepreneurship and the ecosystem can really change lives. Our role is to create an enabling ecosystem in which these entrepreneurs can thrive and grow sustainable enterprises, extending essential services to more people,” Ogolla said.
He said the Nairobi CBD outlet was designed around proximity and convenience, with the organization seeking to build an ecosystem of certified health professionals, including doctors, pharmacists and dentists.
Ogolla said the expansion would complement existing healthcare infrastructure by bringing services closer to communities.
“The ultimate goal is to expand inclusive, quality healthcare. Our role is to help bring an enabling ecosystem in which these entrepreneurs can thrive and grow sustainable enterprises, extending essential services to more people,” he said.
Pharmacy model builds on clinic network
Dr. Gohil Jaimini, Chief Pharmacist at Equity Afya, said the franchisee-owned outlet builds on the organization’s experience with its clinic network.
“The pharmacy is an extension of the success of Equity Afya Clinics. We want to complement that foundation by providing affordable, quality medicines within communities,” Jaimini said.
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Bridging the gap between prescriptions and treatment
Dr. Benson Musyoka, Health Systems Strengthening Specialist, said access to treatment should not end with a doctor’s consultation or prescription.
“Healthcare does not end when you see a doctor or when you get a prescription. It only ends when a patient has been able to receive quality and safe medicines,” Musyoka said.
He said the pharmacy model was intended to address the gap between receiving a prescription and obtaining the medicines needed to complete treatment.
“We are coming in to bridge that gap by providing the last mile in terms of accessible, quality and affordable medicines,” he said.
Pharmacy offers medicines and wellness products
The launched pharmacy offers over-the-counter and essential medicines, wellness products, baby products and other everyday healthcare needs.
The expansion comes as Equity Afya seeks to build a wider network of healthcare professionals and enterprises around accessible primary healthcare, with the pharmacy model providing a dedicated channel for medicines and other everyday health needs.
Target of 1,000 pharmacies across Africa
The initiative is expected to extend beyond Kenya, with Equity Afya targeting 1,000 pharmacies across East and Central Africa.
