Equity Afya launches pharmacy franchise model with new Nairobi CBD outlet

The new outlet is the healthcare provider’s second standalone community pharmacy and the first to be owned and operated by a franchisee.

Equity Afya says the franchise model is designed to enable trained healthcare professionals and Equity Leadership Program alumni from the health sector to build sustainable healthcare enterprises while expanding access to essential medicines and related services.

Dr. Dennis Ogolla, Managing Director of Equity Afya, said the model is intended to create an ecosystem where healthcare professionals can develop sustainable businesses while bringing healthcare services closer to communities.

“Healthcare entrepreneurship and the broader health ecosystem is anchored on improving lives. Our role is to create an ecosystem on which patients and families can rely; health entrepreneurs find value and can thrive and grow sustainable enterprises, and where the payers in health can count on and trust,” said Ogolla.

“The ultimate goal is to expand inclusive, quality healthcare by building a robust network of certified health professionals and health infrastructure that brings care closer to our communities,” he added.

The pharmacy located at Bruce House opposite Cardinal Otunga Plaza offers prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby products, nutrition and wellness products, as well as wellness guidance and screening services.

Dr. Gohil Jaimini, Chief Pharmacist at Equity Afya, said the franchise model would complement the organisation’s existing network of medical centres by making medicines more accessible while creating sustainable business opportunities for healthcare professionals.

“The pharmacy is an extension of the success of Equity Afya Clinics. Our commitment to expanding access to essential medicines requires us to bring healthcare closer to where people live and work while creating sustainable models for healthcare delivery,” said Jaimini.

Dr. Benson Musyoka, the franchisee operating the Bruce House pharmacy, said pharmacies play a critical role in completing the healthcare journey after diagnosis and 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 with the due guidance on how to take it so that the patient does their part,” said Musyoka.

The Bruce House outlet follows the opening of Equity Afya’s first standalone community pharmacy at Britam Towers in Upper Hill.

Equity Afya currently operates 156 medical centres across Kenya and has opened five initial medical centres in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the clinics offering in-house pharmacy services.

The organisation says the franchise model will form part of its longer-term expansion strategy, which targets establishing 1,000 outpatient centres and 1,000 standalone pharmacies across East and Central Africa.