129 arrested, illegal pharmacies shut in crackdown

At least 129 people have been arrested and their premises shut down in a crackdown on illegal pharmacy outlets.

The joint operation by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the National Police Service seized more than 200 cartons of illicit medicines.

The operation, which started on January 29, was conducted in Nairobi, South Rift and Western regions.

It targeted illegal pharmaceutical premises and chemists distributing unregistered medicines.

Those arrested are expected to be arraigned in court.

PPB head of enforcement and surveillance Julius Kaluai said the renewed effort seeks to safeguard public health.

He said illegal pharmaceutical premises and chemists are a great risk due to lack of safety and efficacy guarantees.

“The operation is aimed to enforce regulatory standards, ensure public safety and curb unlawful practices in the pharmaceutical sector,” Kaluai said.

PPB said attempts to remove or deface closure notices will result in regulatory sanctions.

Kaluai said the board is committed to curb unlawful practices in the pharmaceutical sector.

He cautioned the public against purchasing medicines from unauthorised sources.

Any chemist or pharmacy without a name on display or signage is a key indicator that it is illegal.

“The public is further advised to verify registration details of pharmacy practitioners in the community, hospitals and other drug dispensing facilities,” Kaluai said.

“Healthcare facilities handling pharmaceuticals are advised to apply online for the disposal of pharmaceutical waste or contact PPB regional officers for assistance.” 

Additionally, pharmaceutical practitioners are encouraged to review and update transportation processes for pharmaceuticals to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Those arrested will be charged with being in possession of Part I poisons while not being an authorised seller of poisons contrary to section 26(1)(b) as read with section 26(2) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act.

They also face charges of carrying on the business of a pharmaceutical technologist in premises not registered by the PPB and operating the business of a pharmacist without the presence of a registered pharmacist in the premises.

CEO Fred Siyoi said there is a challenge of individuals running pharmacies without proper qualifications and licenses. 

Last year, the board proposed the employment of ‘Nyumba Kumi’ initiative to eliminate quacks in the pharmaceutical sector.

Through the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ initiative, the public is required to identify any suspected operators or outlets within communities.

“The aim is to identify and remove such individuals, safeguard the profession's integrity and protect the public from potential harm,” Siyoi said.

In March, the board started to develop guidelines to regulate activities of pharmaceutical sales representatives in the country.

This is to ensure that pharmaceutical sales representatives are qualified to perform their tasks and act ethically in promoting medicines and other health products and technologies to healthcare professionals.