PPB targets couriers, riders in fight against illicit drugs distribution

On the radar of officials are unlicensed courier services, motorbike operators and public transport providers.

by STAR REPORTER

Health12 November 2024 - 12:02

In Summary

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has said this due to the risks of compromising medication quality.
In July, PPB acquired the advanced Near Infrared (NIR) technology, the Pillscan, to strengthen its efforts in safeguarding drug quality in the country.

*PPB's head of Enforcement and Surveillance Julius Kaluai speaks to journalists in Nakuru/Handout*

The fight against illegal distribution of medicines and other pharmaceuticals is now being directed to courier services.

The aim is to curb the illegal distribution, wholesale, and transportation of pharmaceuticals in a bid to protect public health.

On the radar of officials are unlicensed courier services, motorbike operators, and public transport providers transporting pharmaceuticals without authorisation.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has said this due to the risks of compromising medication quality.

PPB’s Head of Enforcement and Surveillance, Julius Kaluai has emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance, noting that unlicensed wholesalers, distributors, and transporters must meet national standards or face disciplinary measures.

“PPB is putting on notice retail outlets operating unauthorised online pharmacies. They should register their premises according to the services they provide,” Kaluai said.

“All non-compliant entities will face strict enforcement measures to protect the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain,” he said

In a nationwide crackdown launched in collaboration with the National Police Service today in Nakuru, the PPB has intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts to curb the illegal distribution, wholesale, and transportation of pharmaceuticals in a bid to protect public health.

The intensified action follows a recent nationwide audit of health facilities aimed at identifying and addressing malpractices within the pharmaceutical sector.

Kaluai said the data gathered during the surveillance would help pinpoint patterns in illegal pharmaceutical activities, enabling intelligence-based enforcement to better target these issues.

He has called for collaboration between PPB and other government agencies at border points to prevent the entry of unregistered pharmaceuticals, further strengthening safeguards for public health.

“The PPB is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal activities within the sector.”

Kaluai has reiterated the board’s commitment to reducing health risks associated with medication errors due to non-compliant distribution and transportation practices.

In July, PPB acquired the advanced Near Infrared (NIR) technology, the Pillscan, to strengthen its efforts in safeguarding drug quality in the country.

Provided by the Mission of Essential Medicines and Supplies, the new tool is being used for on-site screening of medical products at PPB regional offices and key entry points.

“By incorporating NIR technology into its operations, the PPB aims to bolster its surveillance of the Kenyan pharmaceutical market and protect public health.”

Currently, PPB randomly collects samples from all over the country and analyses them at the National Quality Control Laboratory to test for quality, safety and efficacy.