A Kilifi-based medical supplies manufacturing firm flagged off a consignment of three million syringes for export destined for India on Saturday.

The firm won the Sh150 million worth of tender after a competitive bidding process that left out other leading manufacturers.

UNICEF India contracted Revital Healthcare EPZ Limited in Kikambala, Kilifi County to supply fifty million pieces of 2ml vaccine syringes in the wake of the possible scarcity of the items.

Trade CS Betty Maina during a recent visit to Revital. PHOTO/MAC OTANI  

Owing to the current worldwide shortage of 0.5ml syringes, UNICEF looked at the next best option for vaccination purposes.

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Revital Healthcare Sales, Marketing and Product Development Director Roneek Vora said UNICEF has identified the 2ml syringe for its practical utility.

PHOTO/MAC OTANI

“They have identified the 2ml because of the low dead space on the syringe so they can utilize the entire vial for the dosage of the patients,” Vora said.

Revital Healthcare EPZ Limited produces both 2ml two-part and 2ml three-part and has received contracts for both.

UNICEF Global has also given the medical supply manufacturer a blanket contract for the whole of 2022, booking 100 per cent of the 0.5ml syringes produced.

Roneek Vora. PHOTO/COURTESY

According to Vora, the firm that was started in 2008 believes it is a milestone achievement for Revital and Kenya to have the opportunity to export syringes to India for the first time in history.

He added that is in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy buy Kenya, build Kenya.

“This is a plus for Kenya as a country and President Uhuru’s legacy of buy Kenya, build Kenya,” said Vora.

PHOTO/MAC OTANI

Vora also said the firm would wish to have the government’s support because the support will directly impact 500 people working in the factor.

“We continually ask for the government’s support because by supporting us, they are supporting the 500 people working in this factory,” said Vora.

Revital Healthcare EPZ Limited received a Sh440 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to increase the production of 0.5ml auto-disable vaccine syringes used for COVID-19 vaccination globally.