A total of 137 illegal chemists in South Rift region comprised of Nakuru, Laikipia, Kericho, Bomet and Samburu have been closed, stocks seized and owners arrested and arraigned in court and charged with various offences.
Addressing media in Nakuru on Friday morning, Pharmacy and Poisons Board’s Head of Goods distribution practices and Ports of Entry Dr Dominic Kariuki said this followed a one-week crackdown that commenced 20th January.
During the crackdown, Dr Kariuki added that suspected government drugs were found in a private chemist in Molo town and the owner arrested and charged with possession of government stores among other charges.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board-South Rift Region, some of the other charges that those found operating illegal chemists were charged with include possession of part 1 poisons contrary to section 26(1) of the pharmacy and poisons act, carrying on the business of pharmacist/pharmaceutical technologist while not registered among others.
“During the crackdown, we have a total of 137 illegal chemists in South Rift region closed, stocks seized and owners arrested and arraigned in court and charged with various offences,” said Dr.Kariuki.
Meanwhile, 45 cases have been taken to court so far. However, the Board has raised concerns over the fines (ranging from Ksh.5,000 to Ksh.20,000) given by courts arguing that they are lenient.
“As Pharmacy and Poisons Board we request the courts to enhance the fines charged on those found guilty of malpractices so as to act as a deterrent for those who engage in illegal activities as they are a danger to the public health,” said Dr.Kariuki.
Already the Board recently launched Guidelines for Good Distribution practices, Guidelines for transportation of pharmaceuticals and guidelines for safe disposal of waste.
The guidelines are currently available to the public on www.pharmacyboardkenya.org. The Board has further given the details of the non-compliant outlets to Regional Police Commander for enforcement of closure.
Members of the public have also been advised to use health safety codes displayed in registered pharmacy outlets to verify the legality of the premises.
“We urge members of the public to assist us in this. They can send the health safety codes to 21031 to verify the legality” said Dr.Kariuki.
Since its establishment, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board is the body mandated to ensure that all Kenyans access quality, safe and efficacious medicines in accordance with Cap 244 of the laws of Kenya.
The Board has been carrying out inspections in conjunction with the National Police Service on illegal pharmaceuticals.
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