At least 10 illegal pharmacies in Kajiado County alone
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has shut down at least 10 illegal pharmacies in Kajiado County in a series of crackdowns around the country meant to ensure the safety and quality of medical products.
The PPB Head of Good Distribution Practices and Ports of Entry, Dominic Kariuki, said the crackdown is targeting unregistered persons operating the business of a pharmacist and business premises not registered by the Board.
“Illegal pharmacies and unregistered persons operating pharmacies are engaging in malpractice which endangers the lives of the public. Members of the public should be vigilant and report any suspicious chemists,” Dr Kariuki said.
The Board’s Senior Inspector of Drugs Julius Kaluai said there has been an improvement in compliance since PPB increased surveillance activities for fake products in the market across the country.
“The information from the closed premises will assist the board in arresting persons engaging in malpractice. The seized pharmaceuticals will be analysed to determine whether they are fit for human consumption or destroyed in accordance with the pharmaceutical waste disposal guidelines,” said Kaluai.
The PPB identified Ongata Rongai, Olooitoktok and Kiserian towns as notorious hotspots of illegal sale of health products and technologies in Kajiado.
Those arrested in the ongoing crackdown will be charged with being in possession of poisons, while not being an authorised seller of poisons contrary to section 26(2) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244 Laws of Kenya.
Source: MY Gov