The Pharmacy and Poisons Board now intends to abolish the training of pharmaceutical technologists, the diploma cadre.
This move is aimed at the global best practice of having a degree as the minimum entry into the Pharmacy profession.
The board is the regulator of Pharmacy practice and training.
This was announced in a speech by the PPB CEO Dr Fred Siyoi which was read by the Deputy Director of Pharmacy Practice and Training Dr Dominic Mutie.
The speech was read during the 19th Annual Pharmaceutical Conference hosted by the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association.
In the speech, Dr Siyoi said the decision to abolish the diploma training in pharmacy as provided for in the PPB Strategic Plan 2020-2025 had resulted from extensive stakeholder consultations, SWOT analysis, market research and global benchmarking.
To address the manpower shortages in Pharmacies, especially with the abolishing of the diploma training, the PPB has recognized the strategic importance of upgrading the over 10,000 enrolled pharmaceutical technologists from their diploma to degree level.
This is in line with the Constitution, Universal Health Coverage aspirations, PPB's mission and global trends.
Two years ago, the board’s plan to scrap diploma training was met with protests by pharmacists.
The then Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists secretary general Elias Mutuma said 11,000 pharmaceutical technologists and pharmacists in Kenya have diplomas.
He said they were not involved in the review and crafting of the board’s strategic plan and guidelines to phase out diplomas in pharmacy from 2020-25.
“They owe us an explanation. We have seen nurses, clinical officers and medical laboratory officers with diplomas and degrees," he said.
"Why is the board mistreating us without explaining why they want to do this? Not everybody has money to upgrade. If it is to happen, it should be optional.”
