Equity Afya has opened its second standalone pharmacy in Nairobi as it expands access to medicines and seeks to build a wider network of community-based healthcare services.
The new outlet, located at Bruce House opposite Cardinal Otunga Plaza in Nairobi’s central business district, is the first Equity Afya pharmacy to be owned and operated by a franchisee.
The franchise model is part of a partnership with the Gates Foundation aimed at bringing essential medicines and everyday healthcare products closer to communities while creating opportunities for healthcare professionals to establish and operate healthcare businesses.
Equity Afya Managing Director Dr. Dennis Ogolla said the model would use entrepreneurship to expand access to healthcare while supporting sustainable enterprises.
“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.
The organization currently operates 154 medical centres across Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its facilities also providing pharmacy services. The standalone outlets are intended to complement this network by creating dedicated community access points for medicines and other healthcare products.
Equity Afya Chief Pharmacist Dr. Gohil Jaimini said the pharmacy model builds on the organization’s experience operating pharmacies within its clinics.
“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.
The new outlet stocks over-the-counter and essential medicines, wellness products, baby products and other everyday healthcare items.
Equity Afya Health Systems Strengthening Specialist Dr. Benson Musyoka said improving access to medicines was an important part of completing the treatment process after a patient receives medical care.
“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,” he said.
He noted that the standalone pharmacies would help address the gap between receiving a prescription and accessing the medicines required for treatment.
“We are coming in to bridge that gap by providing the last mile in terms of accessible, quality and affordable medicines,” he added.
Equity Afya plans to scale the franchise model beyond Kenya, with a target of establishing 1,000 pharmacies across East and Central Africa.
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