The Pharmacy and Poisons Board urges members of the public to exercise caution and only purchase pharmaceuticals from licensed and reputable sources.
According Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Fred Siyoi chemists that are operating without a name are key indicators of illegality and members of the public should stop buying drugs from pharmacies operating without names.
“The unnamed outlets may not meet regulatory standards and could pose health risks as they could be selling unregistered medicines,” Dr Siyoi said.
The boards advisory comes in the backdrop of a joint multi-agency operation nationwide operation aimed to audit regulated pharmaceutical entities to ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practices, with particular attention given to auditing the distribution of narcotic and psychotropic substances to identify, monitor, and establish compliance with proper dispensing practices.
“The targeted operation will continue to complement the efforts of the National Government Agency spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior to eradicate all illegal pharmaceutical outlets in the country,” Dr Siyoi said adding that, “To promote compliance and adherence, the Board has released a list of registered pharmaceutical outlets accessible through https://practice.pharmacyboardkenya.org/Licensestatus?register=facilities.”
He added that, for safety and well-being, the public is urged to verify the legitimacy of pharmaceutical establishments and report any suspicious activities to the board.
PPB is also calling on all registered pharmaceutical practitioners to embrace professionalism and dispensing ethics and stay updated with regulatory provisions governing the prescription and dispensing of controlled medicines.
According to Dr Siyoi, pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists should always ensure availability of records for review whenever requested by authorized officers.
Additionally, practitioners are advised to comply with labelling requirements as documented under the Pharmacy and Poison Act (CAP 244).
PPB in response to the 25 Presidential Directives issued on March 7 aimed at combating illicit brews, alcohol, drug, and substance abuse initiated a joint multi-agency operation nationwide.
According to PPB the joint operation seeks to audit regulated pharmaceutical entities to ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practices with particular attention given to auditing the distribution of narcotic and psychotropic substances to identify, monitor, and establish compliance with proper dispensing practices.
The Board has so far inspected 400 premises and seized 200 cartons of assorted medicines. These exhibits are currently pending court proceedings and will be disposed of in accordance with applicable rules and regulations for pharmaceutical disposal.
PPB further says that the collaborative effort underscores its commitment to curbing unlawful practices in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring public safety, and upholding regulatory standards. The success of this mission reflects the dedication of the Board to maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry and safeguarding the well-being of citizens.
The targeted operation will continue to complement the efforts of the National Government Agency spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior to eradicate all illegal pharmaceutical outlets in the country.
