Medical devices play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical sector, helping to diagnose, prevent, monitor, and even treat medical conditions. In 2023, the African medical devices market was valued at nearly $4.5 billion. By 2032, it is expected to grow by approximately 73%, reaching almost $8 billion.
Journalist Victoria Rubadiri visits Revital Healthcare in Kenya, the continent’s largest medical device manufacturer.
Founded in 2008, Revital Healthcare set out to provide Africa with locally sourced medical devices. Roneek Vora, the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing, explains their mission:
“We wanted to see less importation of critical medical supplies in Africa.”
Revital exports its products to 45 countries worldwide, including 17 in Africa. Its location near the port of Mombasa plays a key role in its distribution network. Pramod Nayak, the company’s Plant Head, highlights its reach:
“We export to neighbouring countries, including Sub-Saharan Africa and even South Africa. We also reach West African nations like Morocco.”
As healthcare needs evolve, Revital invests in research and development to meet demand. Regulatory Affairs Officer Tabitha Musyoka introduces a key innovation:
“This is our newly developed 0.5ml early activation auto-disabled syringe. Once used, it cannot be reused.”
With its growing success, Revital has ambitious expansion plans. In May 2023, it launched a rapid test kit production facility, capable of producing 20 million kits per month to screen for HIV, malaria, hepatitis, and syphilis.
Vora reflects on the company’s growth:
“When we started, we had six moulding machines. Today, we have over 60, with more than 600 employees and an annual production capacity of 2.2 billion medical devices.”
He also highlights Africa’s potential in the healthcare sector:
“This continent has so much to offer. We have the best mangoes, the best avocados, and thriving agriculture and mining industries. But did you know Africa can also be a leader in healthcare?”
