This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On May 11, 2020, the Medical Credit Fund (MCF) announced that Ansell Pharmaceuticals Limited, a local wholesaler and distributor of medical, pharmaceutical, and surgical products from Kiambu County, was among the first recipients of the first Covid-19 loan by the MCF.
The COVID-19 specific loans are earmarked for manufacturing, importation, and/or distribution of Covid-19 related commodities such as face masks, eye protection, gloves, gowns, and hand sanitizers.
Dr. David Karanja, a pharmacist and owner of Ansell Pharmaceuticals, said the loan from MCF was a timely intervention that enabled them to supply the much-needed medical equipment and related supplies to combat the pandemic.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, 89 million medical masks are required for the COVID-19 response each month, while 76 million examination gloves and 1.6 million goggles are also in high demand.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust the health enterprise into unprecedented times. Many health entrepreneurs have faced both health and economic impacts occasioned by low patient traffic and an interrupted supply chain. Our core business is to keep the health business running. That is why we have responded by developing Covid-19 specific loans and restructured existing loans to cushion our clients,” said Kennedy Okong’o, Director MCF Kenya.
