The second annual Transforming Africa MedTech Conference (TAMC) commenced today at the Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi, bringing together key stakeholders to explore strategies for advancing medical technology in Africa.
The three-day event serves as a premier platform for collaboration, aiming to leverage MedTech for significant progress in healthcare across the continent.
Villgro Africa, Co-Founder and CEO Wilfred Njagi, emphasised the critical importance of supporting locally manufactured medical devices.
He highlighted the economic benefits that could arise from Africa taking ownership of its healthcare industry.
"Africa needs to start owning the healthcare industry. For too long, we have sent patients to India and other medically advanced countries, exporting money and resources in exchange for medical attention, despite our capacity to build and advance our own systems," said Njagi.
Adding that the government should support Kenyan innovators who are capable of developing devices locally for the Kenyan people.
"Healthcare should become a net income earner for Kenya's economy, much like tourism," he noted
The conference's participants, including industry leaders and innovators, addressed both the challenges and opportunities in advancing MedTech within Africa.
The dialogue underscored the urgent need for local solutions, particularly through the production of locally manufactured devices.
Emmanuel Kamuhire, a biomedical engineer and CEO of A-Lite Uganda, highlighted the growing recognition of the challenges facing Africa's medical industry.
He shared insights into his company’s innovations, such as a device designed to assist doctors in locating veins for intravenous cannulation when veins are not easily found.
"This innovation is just one example of how we can focus on manufacturing medical devices locally, rather than relying on imports," Kamuhire explained.
Lisa Ochola further stressed that local manufacturing could drastically reduce costs associated with importing medical devices, making healthcare more accessible and affordable across the continent.
The TAMC 2024 dialogue among stakeholders is set to shape the future of African healthcare, driving innovation, investment, and collaboration that will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes for millions.
