More than 20 chemists and pharmaceutical outlets have been abruptly closed following an intensive crackdown by the Ministry of Health in Kisii town and its environs.
On Monday, chemists owners were either forced to close their businesses and run for their dear lives or were apprehended by security officers who accompanied the health officers due to lack of authentication documents from the ministry to run the business.
This comes weeks after a woman was reported to have been admitted and subsequently died after having consumed medicine allegedly bought from one of the chemists.
Head of operation, Dr Wilkister Nyaboke, said the crackdown will continue with an aim to restore confidence in the Ministry of Health.
“We have heard of many cases related to wrong prescription of medicine which have been given to patients and some of them have even died out of the incidents. This crackdown is necessary to restore sanity to the ministry,” she said.
“The process will soon extend to remote areas of the county which suffers the same fate. This is completely unacceptable and offenders have to face the law,” she added.
However, some of the victims contested the decision of closing their businesses, accusing the ministry of selective administering of justice.
“I have been victimised by the officers. I have a licence and a letter from public health department. This is unfair and we appeal to the government to reinstate over licences,” said Jane Kemunto.