The Pharmacy and Poison Board (PPB) has kicked off an inspection exercise of all health centres in Wajir and Garissa Counties, to ascertain whether the health care service providers have medical supplies that conforms to the required standards.
According to the Northeastern PPB director Ali Omar, the board has received reports that some corrupt cartels were supplying unregistered supplies to the various medical outlets in the said regions.
Omar added that the board had been informed of some hardware suppliers who distribute substandard drugs that endanger patients’ lives.
"The board will partner with county hospital managements to check on the quality of medicinal drugs supplied to the various outlets. The Kenya Medical and Supplies Agency is the main provider of medicines,” he affirmed.
He, therefore, urged all county hospitals to consult with the pharmacist and poison board to ensure that correct drugs and other medical supplies are issued. Omar reiterated that the board is the only agency that reviews drug supplies in the country.