Kenyan company takes ‘Healing’ to the WORLD

Revital Healthcare EPZ Ltd� became the first African company to be granted Pre-Qualification (PQ) status by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their early activation auto-disable (AD) syringe Globally, eight manufacturers have WHO PQ status for this product and Revital is now poised to produce over 300 million AD syringes annually, strengthening Africa’s healthcare infrastructure and securing the supply of essential medical equipment on the continent

Revital Healthcare (EPZ) Ltd Sales & Product Development

Director Roneek Vora spoke to Export Agenda magazine on their journey to local pharmaceutical products manufacturing�

1. In the past 15 years, your firm has been exporting 48 medical devices (including 2B syringes annually) to 29 countries in Africa, India, China, Pakistan, among other countries in the world, how has this benefited Kenya?

Over the past 15 years, our activities at Revital Healthcare (EPZ) Ltd have brought several benefits to Kenya:

† Economic Growth: By exporting medical devices, Revital Healthcare has generated revenue for the country, contributing to Kenya’s overall economic growth This has helped create employment opportunities, increase foreign exchange reserves, and stimulate local businesses in the healthcare sector

† Healthcare Access: The export of medical devices has improved access to essential healthcare products in Kenya and other African countries By providing reliable and high-quality medical devices, Revital Healthcare has contributed to better healthcare delivery and improved patient outcomes

† Technological Advancement:

Through its exports, Revital Healthcare has introduced advanced medical technologies to Kenya This has facilitated the adoption of modern healthcare practices, improved diagnostic capabilities, and enhanced treatment options, leading to better healthcare services for the population

† Knowledge Transfer:

Collaborating with various countries in Africa has allowed Revital Healthcare to share knowledge and expertise in the field of medical device manufacturing This knowledge transfer has not only benefited Kenya but also supported capacity building and skills development in the local healthcare industry

2. What does the government commitment to support human medicines and pharmaceutical products manufacturing mean to your investments and future plans?

It can have a positive impact on Revital Healthcare’s investments and future plans Here are a few potential effects:

† Increased Market Opportunities: With government support, the demand for locally manufactured medical devices is likely to increase� This can create new market opportunities for Revital Healthcare and incentivize the company to expand its operations, invest in research and development, and introduce innovative products tailored to the local market’s needs

† Policy Support: Government commitment to supporting local products can result in favourable policies, such as tax incentives, reduced regulatory barriers, and streamlined procurement processes These measures can enhance the competitiveness of Revital Healthcare and other local manufacturers, encouraging investment and growth

† Collaboration and Partnerships:

The government’s support can foster collaboration between Revital Healthcare and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including research institutions, hospitals, and other manufacturers This collaboration can lead to the development of a robust local ecosystem, where knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, and resource pooling can take place for mutual benefit

† Economic Development: By supporting local products, the government contributes to overall economic development, job creation, and increased tax revenues This can have a cascading effect on the local economy, benefiting various sectors and communities

3. With your investment located away from the big cities, what does that mean to the local economy-jobs, county revenues, CSR and how does this positively affect the future of Kilifi county on matters development?

It has positively impacted the local economy of Kilifi County in several ways:

† Job Creation:

Revital Healthcare’s presence in Kilifi County likely results in direct and indirect job opportunities for the local population These jobs span across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, administration, and technical support The employment opportunities contribute to reducing unemployment rates, enhancing the livelihoods of individuals, and stimulating economic growth

† County Revenues:

The investment by Revital Healthcare generates tax revenues for Kilifi County These revenues can be utilised by the local government to fund infrastructure development, social welfare programs, education, healthcare, and other essential services The increased revenues contribute to the overall development and well-being of the county and its residents

† Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

Revital Healthcare’s investment includes CSR initiatives focused on community development especially, supporting local healthcare facilities, education programs, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment Such efforts positively impact the local community and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the county

† Future Development:

Revital Healthcare’s investment can act as a catalyst for further development in Kilifi County The presence of a healthcare manufacturing facility may attract other investors, suppliers, and service

4. About the snowball effect on the enhancement of the government incentives to support local manufacturing, how can we enhance government-private sector cooperation for public good? To further strengthen governmentprivate sector cooperation for the greater public good, a collaborative approach is essential

† The government can establish dedicated platforms or committees that facilitates regular dialogue between government representatives and private sector stakeholders This open line of communication will foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by local manufacturers and enable the government to tailor policies and incentives accordingly�

† Furthermore, the government can encourage public-private partnerships that focus on research and development, skills training, and technology transfer By leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors, innovative solutions can be developed, leading to sustainable growth and increased competitiveness for Kenyan manufacturers

† Additionally, the government can work closely with industry associations, such as the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, to develop collaborative initiatives that promote local manufacturing, facilitate knowledge sharing, and advocate for policies that support the sector’s growth This unified approach will strengthen the governmentprivate sector cooperation and create an environment conducive to achieving our shared goals of economic prosperity and social development

5. Lastly, I am aware you attended the health exhibitions like the Dubai World Trade Centre in 2023 that was attended by more than 100,000 healthcare professionals and exhibitors from 70 countries. How can the government support Kenya-based medical drugs manufacturers to market their products to the world in such international fora?

The government plays a crucial role in supporting Kenya-based medical drugs manufacturers t lo effectively market their products at international fora like the Dubai World Trade Centre health exhibitions Here are some ways the government can provide support:

† Market Access Assistance:

The government can facilitate market access for Kenyan medical drugs manufacturers by actively engaging with foreign trade bodies, diplomatic channels, and international organisations This includes negotiating favourable trade agreements, reducing trade barriers, and advocating for fair market opportunities for Kenyan products in global markets

† Export Promotion:

The government can establish specialised export promotion agencies or initiatives dedicated to supporting medical drugs manufacturers

These entities can provide targeted assistance such as market research, export training programs, matchmaking services, and financial support to participate in international exhibitions and trade shows This helps Kenyan manufacturers showcase their products to a global audience and establish valuable connections with potential buyers and distributors The Agency has regularly promoted Revital Healthcare’s products in export promotion activities

† Financial Support:

The government can offer financial incentives or subsidies to Kenya-based medical drugs manufacturers participating in international fora This can include grants or low-interest loans to cover exhibition costs, product certification fees, and marketing expenses By easing the financial burden, the government enables manufacturers to present their products effectively and competitively in international markets

† Capacity Building and Training:

The government can invest in capacity building programs and training initiatives for medical drugs manufacturers This includes providing support for research and development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance to ensure that Kenyan products meet international standards By enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of local manufacturers, the government strengthens their competitiveness and positions them for success in global markets

† International Marketing and Branding:

The government can collaborate with medical drugs manufacturers to develop comprehensive marketing and branding strategies for international markets� This includes creating a strong national brand identity, promoting Kenya’s healthcare sector as a hub of innovation and quality, and showcasing success stories of local manufacturers Additionally, the government can organise country pavilions at international exhibitions, highlighting the diverse range of Kenyan medical drugs and facilitating networking opportunities

† Trade Missions and Diplomatic Support:

The government can organise trade missions led by highlevel officials or ministers to promote Kenyan medical drugs manufacturers and establish strategic partnerships with key international stakeholders Moreover, the government can leverage diplomatic channels to advocate for the recognition and acceptance of Kenyan medical drugs in target markets, reinforcing their quality and efficacy

By implementing these measures, the government can effectively support Kenya-based medical drugs manufacturers in marketing their products to the world at international fora Such support will not only boost the export potential of Kenyan manufacturers but also enhance the country’s reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality healthcare products on the global stage

In conclusion, under President Ruto’s visionary leadership, the government’s steadfast support for local manufacturers like Revital Healthcare has set Kenya on a path of unparalleled growth and prosperity� Together, we can create a future where Kenyan products are renowned globally, and our nation stands tall as a beacon of excellence and innovation GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

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