This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
On June 30, 2019, the cost of treating diseases in Kenya was a major concern, with many families struggling to cope with rising medical bills.
The country's largest underwriter by market share, Jubilee, has since renewed calls for policy change to make generic drugs more accessible, potentially lowering treatment costs and increasing medical insurance coverage.
Generic drugs work in the same way as their brand name counterparts, offering the same results at a significantly lower cost.
It makes sense for patients without financial means to opt for generic alternatives, which could help alleviate the financial burden on families.
However, some doctors have been accused of working with pharmaceutical firms to only prescribe brand name medicines, regardless of a patient's financial capabilities.
This practice is not only unfair but also unethical, as it goes against the Hippocratic oath taken by medical professionals.
Limiting patients to brand name medicines can lead to financial ruin for families, especially those without medical insurance cover.
According to Jubilee, adopting generic medicines at hospitals would lower the cost of treatment and encourage insurers to lower their medical cover premiums.
With medical insurance coverage being low in Kenya, efforts to increase penetration rates are welcome and long overdue.
We urge other insurance companies to support Jubilee's push to lower treatment costs in the country.
Adopting generic drugs would also benefit the economy by allowing local manufacturers to produce alternatives, creating jobs and potentially lowering treatment costs.
