Pan African healthcare brand Shalina has announced plans to increase its investments in Kenya by opening a consumer division.

The firm will be looking to ride on the new outfit to introduce global brands to the Kenyan market.

Shalina Healthcare had in 2022 increased its investments through the acquisition of Kenya’s Orange Pharmaceutical

This move pushed the company into the top 5 pharmaceutical companies in Kenya.

“By leveraging Orange Pharmaceutical’s expertise, Shalina Healthcare expanded its product portfolio, enhancing its ability to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the Kenyan population,” said Shalina Healthcare vice president and business head for East Africa Vikas Khandelwal.

The pharmaceutical company with a 40-year history in Africa, has expanded its footprint across the continent, now operating in 21 countries.

In 2018, Shalina Healthcare officially launched its operations in Kenya through the acquisition of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company (PMC).

The acquisition allowed the company to introduce several global brands in therapeutic areas such as dermatology and pain management to the Kenyan market.

“The company remains committed to ensuring that medicines are safe, effective, and affordable, with manufacturing facilities in India, China, and parts of Africa supporting this mission,” added Khandelwal

In 2024, healthcare companies are increasingly expanding their operations in Kenya, driven by the demand for better healthcare services and advancements in digital health technologies.

Key developments include increased investment in digital health platforms like telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics.

Telemedicine, for instance, is helping bridge gaps in healthcare access, allowing remote consultations and improving care delivery in underserved regions.

Initiatives like Gertrude's Children's Hospital's Daktari Smart platform are already enhancing treatment options for patients across the country.

Shalina Healthcare says it is looking to provide affordable medical products to 1 billion people across Africa.