Health

Illegal pharmacies crackdown: 35 arrested, 50 premises shut down in Kajiado

An officer of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) inspects drugs at a pharmacy in this file picture. (Photo: X/PPB)

By Lucy Mumbi | Sunday, May 19, 2024

The stolen pharmaceuticals were found in unlicensed chemists, posing serious health risks to the public due to their unregulated handling and distribution.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has seized 150 cartons of assorted health products and technologies in Kajiado County.

The operation, which resulted in the arrest of 35 offenders and the shutdown of 50 premises, was carried out in partnership with the National Police Service.

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In a statement released on Sunday by PPB Head, Inspectorate and Enforcement Julius Kaluai, the stolen pharmaceuticals were found in unlicensed chemists, posing serious health risks to the public due to their unregulated handling and distribution.

He noted that the medicines intended for public use had been illegally diverted for commercial gain.

"The Board has uncovered a syndicate involved in the pilferage of government stores within Kajiado County. This coordinated effort was carried out in partnership with the National Police Service. These illegal entities were found to be unlicensed, dispensing medications without the necessary licenses and approvals from the Board," he said.

According to Kaluai, the investigation was triggered by reports of medicine shortages in public healthcare facilities, revealing a syndicate involved in diverting government-supplied medicines for commercial gain.

He said the commodities have been confiscated for use as exhibits during prosecution.

"Those found guilty will face stringent penalties per the penal code and other applicable laws," Kaluai warned.

Genuine list

To ensure compliance and adherence, Kaluai said the Board has released a list of registered pharmaceutical outlets which can be accessed through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board Registered Outlets link.

The public has been urged to exercise caution and only purchase pharmaceuticals from licensed and reputable sources.

The Board also warned the public to watch out for chemists operating without names, as this is a key indicator of illegality.

This is also in addition to unregistered medicines, which may not meet regulatory standards and could adversely affect health.

"To ensure safety and well-being, the public is advised to verify the legitimacy of pharmaceutical establishments and report any suspicious activities to the Board," Kaluai said.

Registered public and private healthcare facilities handling pharmaceuticals have also been reminded to apply online for the disposal of any pharmaceutical waste or contact PPB regional officers via the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

"All registered pharmaceutical practitioners are advised to continually update themselves with regulatory provisions governing the prescription and dispensing of controlled medicines and to make records available for review upon request by an authorised officer. They are also required to comply with the labelling requirements as documented under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act [CAP 244]," Kaluai said.