By Dr. Ken Abuka (BPharm, MPharm)
Sub County Medical Officer of Health – Kisumu East Sub County
As healthcare professionals, pharmacists play a pivotal role beyond dispensing medicines. We are enablers of healthcare system innovations that improve patient outcomes. In Kisumu East Sub-County, we have been working to bridge critical gaps in maternal and neonatal healthcare through BabyChecker, an AI-powered portable ultrasound device that is revolutionizing antenatal care.
The Challenge: Limited Access to Obstetric Ultrasound
For years, expectant mothers in Kisumu East struggled with limited access to ultrasound services, often having to travel long distances for scans. This resulted in delayed risk detection, low antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and avoidable maternal and neonatal complications. Without early identification of high-risk pregnancies, the chances of obstetric emergencies increased, contributing to high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
BabyChecker: A Game Changer in Maternal Health
Recognizing this gap, our team introduced BabyChecker in October 2024 to public health facilities in Kolwa East Ward, ensuring pregnant women could access real-time ultrasound scans at no cost within their communities. This initiative is already proving transformative:-
- 223 scans conducted in four months
- Six high-risk pregnancies identified early (e.g., placenta previa, fetal distress)
- Increased ANC visits as more women trust the system
During our routine support supervisions on BabyChecker utilization, we always witness firsthand how frontline healthcare workers are using AI assistance to interpret scans, reducing reliance on specialist radiologists. The enthusiasm among providers and patients alike confirms that digital health solutions can strengthen primary healthcare and improve maternal health indicators.
The Pharmacist’s Role in Driving Innovation
As pharmacists, our influence in healthcare extends to system wide solutions that improve service delivery. From supply chain management of essential maternal health commodities to advocating for AI-driven technologies like BabyChecker, we are uniquely positioned to integrate digital innovations into routine care.
For BabyChecker, sustainability is key. Moving forward, we must:
- Expand training for all healthcare workers including pharmacists to maximize its potential
- Improve scheduling and device rotation to reach more facilities
- Advocate for integration into national health policies to ensure long-term use
Conclusion
Pharmacists have a responsibility to champion innovative, scalable healthcare solutions that strengthen the health system. BabyChecker is a powerful example of how AI-driven tools can be leveraged to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes, reduce mortality, and enhance overall service delivery. By embracing digital health innovations, we cement our place as leaders in transformative healthcare solutions—not just in Kisumu but across the country. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of pharmacy practice to create stronger, technology-driven health systems for all.
A photo of the baby checker which includes the case, probe and a smartphone
Dr. Ken Abuka performing an ultrasound scan on an ANC client atone of the facilities in Kisumu East.