The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) held a critical meeting with Nairobi County Commissioner Mr. David Wanyonyi and his team to strengthen efforts against illegal pharmaceutical activities in informal settlements.
The meeting, held in Nairobi, brought together 12 Deputy County Commissioners from across the county, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through multi-agency collaboration.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Wanyonyi reiterated the government’s resolve to root out unauthorized pharmaceutical practices, emphasizing a collective responsibility to ensure compliance.
“The fight against illegal pharmaceuticals requires teamwork. I urge all officials to report these activities promptly to the PPB so we can act decisively,” said Mr. Wanyonyi.
Representing PPB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Julius Kaluai reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to regulating the pharmaceutical sector. He stressed that previous enforcement efforts had significantly reduced noncompliant outlets and encouraged continued vigilance.
“Our focus remains on ensuring access to safe, quality, and effective health products for all. These partnerships with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) are pivotal in achieving this goal,” said Mr. Kaluai.
Mr. Kaluai also urged the public to shun unauthorized pharmaceutical services, warning of the risks they pose. He highlighted the Board’s commitment to permanently closing noncompliant premises and called for proper handling of seized medicines to prevent misuse.
“The disposal of expired medicines is equally critical. Repackaging and resale of such products endanger public health, and we must ensure strict adherence to disposal protocols,” added Mr. Kaluai.
The discussions also tackled challenges encountered during enforcement, particularly in informal settlements where such illegal activities often thrive.
The PPB pledged to intensify surveillance and enforcement in collaboration with local administrators to protect Nairobi’s residents from substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the PPB continues to emphasize public awareness, urging Kenyans to only seek services from licensed pharmaceutical providers.
“By working together, we can safeguard the public from the dangers of substandard medicines while maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical sector,” Mr. Kaluai concluded.
PPBs unified approach to health sector regulation will ensure that Nairobi’s residents have access to safe and quality pharmaceutical products.
