Tough measures as Government targets illegal chemists
Esther Mwangi and Lucy Njeri -KNA
The Government has issued a stern warning to investors in the health sector against trading, importing or handling unregistered pharmaceutical products in Kenya.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed all stakeholders to desist from handling any unregistered products and ensure that all pharmaceutical products in their possession are duly registered and approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
Duale, further, ordered an intensified crackdown on unlicensed pharmacies and pharmacists to protect public health adding that the operation will involve the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the National Police Service, targeting illegal chemists, distributors, and those selling counterfeit or substandard medications.
The CS affirmed that those found operating pharmaceutical products’ outlets without proper licensing or handling unregistered pharmaceuticals will face arrest, prosecution, seizure of products and closure of their premises.
He issued a warning to absentee superintendents who leave licensed pharmacies to be run by unqualified personnel adding that the culprits will be subjected to disciplinary proceedings if they do not comply.
“Essentially you cannot use other people to commit a crime while you are comfortable somewhere,” he warned.
Duale spoke at Nyayo Garden in Nakuru County, where he officiated the activation of the devolved unit’s ‘Taifa Care’ program under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.
The CS, who vowed to supervise extensive crackdown on rogue pharmacists, said PPB was currently actively monitoring the market and will take action against anyone found violating the regulatory framework.
He said the government was particularly concerned about the sale of fake and counterfeit drugs, improper storage of medications and dispensing without qualified medical guidance, all of which pose serious risks to public health.
“The government is also urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical activity to the authorities,” he appealed.
The CS noted that the PPB had developed guidelines for good distribution practices, transportation of pharmaceuticals and also for safe management of pharmaceutical waste. The guidelines, he said, are available and advised all health practitioners to familiarize with the provision of the guidelines.
The CS also emphasized the need for the public to use the health safety code 21031 displayed in registered pharmacy outlets to verify legality of the premises they are buying medicines from.
Duale said collaborative efforts between the government and the professionals in the health sector is crucial for the successful battle against the merchants of the harmful drugs.
“Do not dispense unregistered or unprescribed drugs over the counter. We must also have a good record of all the drugs dispensed,” he advised.
The CS also put on notice wholesalers supplying pharmaceutical products without proper documentation saying that the Ministry, through PPB will shift attention to wholesalers who supply illegal outlets without identifying the documentation of those purchasing drugs.