Calls for probe as crackdown on illegal pharmacies widens
By George.Kebaso, April 23, 2024The pharmaceutical industry in the country is facing turbulent times following recent events which both the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) describe as illegal.
At the weekend, the Board dismantled illegal pharmaceutical entities within Nairobi, Central and North Eastern region.
At the same time, the Society voiced its concern over the reported alleged sale of an anti-anxiety drug to minors in Mombasa.
The PSK leadership has since called for thorough investigations into the reports of sale of Rohypnol, an anti-anxiety medication, to minors in the Coastal city.
“We call for thorough investigations by authorities and appropriate action against those found to have engaged in the illegal sale of medications, particularly to minors,” said PSK President Dr Louis Machogu in a statement last Friday.
He condemned unethical behaviour within the pharmaceutical profession, expressing the Society’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and patient care.
“We are deeply concerned by the recent reports circulating in the media regarding the alleged sale of prescription drugs.
“These reports have highlighted a serious issue that demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders involved,” Dr Machogu said, noting that pharmacists are bound by strict regulations and ethical guidelines that prohibit the sale of prescription medications without verification of prescription furthermore to unaccompanied minors.
He said that whereas the PPB plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the industry regulations, PSK actively participates in the Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee of the Board to address any complaints or concerns related to the conduct of pharmacists.
Dr. Machogu called on the public to understand that pharmacists undergo rigorous training and are entrusted with the responsibility of dispensing medications safely and responsibly.
“Any deviation from these standards is not only unethical but also illegal,” he said, urging members of the public to familiarize themselves with the identity of their pharmacists by utilizing the PPB portal where they can verify the registration status of both pharmacies and pharmacists.
Collaboration
“This transparency ensures accountability and promotes trust between pharmacists and the communities they serve,” he added as the PPB announced the seizure of 88 boxes of assorted health products and technologies (HPTs), and in the process, apprehending 36 persons found to bear the greatest responsibility of the vices.
“Equally, at least 82 premises have been shut down for flouting various regulations.
“Of the prosecutions made,7 was in Nairobi,19 in Central Kenya and 10 from the Upper Eastern region,” said Kaluai Julius, Head of Enforcement and Surveillance at the Board.
The entities, he said, were found to be unlicensed, dispensing drugs without necessary licenses and approvals from the Board. The operation commenced on April 14.
“This ongoing operation reflects the unwavering commitment by the Board to protect the public from the dangers posed by illegal pharmaceutical activities,” he added.
“The Board strongly advises the public to exercise caution and only buy pharmaceuticals from licensed and reputable sources,” Kaluai said.
Further, the Board cautioned the public against chemists that are run without names, noting further that this is a key pointer to illegality as well as unregistered medicines, as they may not meet regulatory standards and could have adverse effects on the health of the members of the public.
“To ensure their safety and the well-being, the public is advised to verify the legitimacy of pharmaceutical establishments and report any suspicious activities to the Board,” he said.
Kaluai notified all the registered public and private healthcare facilities handling pharmaceuticals, to apply online for disposal of any pharmaceutical waste that they may have; or get in touch with the Board regional officers.