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The red alert by World Health Organisation that fake Augmentin (a popular antibiotic) could be on sale in thousands of outlets is as alarming as it is distressing. 

The drug, stocked in virtually every middle-class kitchen cabinet as a vital pharmaceutical product, treats bacterial infections and has been listed by WHO in its Essential Medicines List.

Victims of the fake product are likely to present cases of adverse effects or continuation of symptoms even after medication. WHO, therefore, advises that those affected should seek the services of qualified medical personnel and report to the Ministry of Health in their respective countries.

Routine post-marketing surveillance came up with the startling facts, which are likely to send panic in homes and hospitals across the continent.

The Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board has been informed of the developments, but has not gone public about the findings, nor told Kenyans what to do.

This is improper and must be addressed immediately. Individuals and medical institutions that stock this medicine must be assured that what is being dispensed and sold  is genuine.

In other words, it is time post-market surveillance was escalated beyond this particular product to include all medicines made available to Kenyans daily on prescription by health care personnel.

Lab tests showed that the counterfeit does not contain any of the stated active ingredients — usually amoxillin tryhidrate-potassium clavulanate — and should, not therefore, be used.

This specific antibiotic, as are many others, are available as over the counter (OTC) drugs all over the continent. There is need to assure the public that what they have been buying under the Augmentin name meets international efficacy and safety standards.

In the absence of such an assurance, an enormous grey area is created, and it is not clear  whether drugs  so easily available over the counter or prescription only are safe and reliable.

The Ministry of Health must move with speed, both to crosscheck that Kenyans access drugs that work and to ensure counterfeits do not find their way to households.

Though it is not clear where the fake drugs could be emanating from, high-level vigilance is necessary  to protect the public.