Senator Hazena Lemaletian has called for urgent scrutiny over patient safety in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector following a reported case of medical negligence in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Lemaletian called for urgent and comprehensive reforms by the Ministry of Health to strengthen oversight and restore public confidence in pharmaceutical services.

According to a statement by the Parliament of Kenya on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Lemaletian sought a statement from the Health Committee over an incident on February 27, 2026, in which a child allegedly developed severe complications, including loss of eyesight, after being issued the wrong medication by a pharmacy.

“Rising pursuant to Standing Order 53(1), the Senator requested a statement from the Senate Committee on Health regarding an incident that occurred on February 27, 2026, in Eldoret, where a child allegedly suffered severe complications, including loss of eyesight, after being issued the wrong medication by a pharmacy,” part of the Parliament of Kenya stated.

Gaps in pharmaceutical practice

The Senator warned that the case exposes critical gaps in due diligence, professionalism, regulatory oversight, and ethical compliance within the pharmaceutical practice, cautioning that such lapses pose serious risks to public health.

The statement said Lemaletian asked the committee to establish the circumstances under which the incorrect medication was dispensed, including whether standard protocols were followed and what disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible.

“In her request, the Senator asked the Committee to establish the circumstances under which the wrong medication was dispensed, including whether standard dispensing protocols were followed and what action has been taken against those responsible,” Parliament of Kenya stated.

Need for accountability

Lemaletian further called for accountability from key regulatory bodies including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, seeking clarity on mechanisms used to verify practitioners’ qualifications, licensing status and ongoing professional competence.

Lemaletian also urged the Ministry of Health to institute comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening oversight, enhancing professional standards and restoring public confidence in pharmaceutical services.

Additionally, Senator Lemaletian urged the Committee to provide a status report on compliance across pharmacies and chemists nationwide, including the number of licensed outlets, recent inspection outcomes, and enforcement actions.

“The Lawmaker also called for comprehensive reforms by the Ministry of Health to strengthen oversight and restore public confidence in pharmaceutical services,” Parliament of Kenya stated.