PPB meets Nairobi police bosses over illegal pharmacies in slums

The meeting was attended by 12 Deputy County Commissioners

by STAR REPORTER

Health25 November 2024 - 15:56

In Summary

The PPB remains committed to protecting the public from substandard pharmaceutical products.
The board regulates the practice of pharmacy and the manufacture and trade in drugs and poisons.

*Head of Enforcement and Surveillance at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board Julius Kaluai speaks during the meeting on November 25, 2024/Handout*

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) on Monday held a consultative meeting with Nairobi County Commissioner David Wanyonyi as the war on illegal pharmacy outlets gains momentum.

The aim of the meeting was to enhance enforcement and surveillance against illegal pharmaceutical activities in informal settlements.

The meeting which was also attended by 12 Deputy County Commissioners from Nairobi addressed challenges encountered during crackdowns targeting unauthorized pharmaceutical practices.

The meeting was attended by PPB Head of Enforcement and Surveillance Julius Kaluai on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Fred Siyoi.

*Heas of Enforcement and Surveillance at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board Julius Kaluai speaks during the meeting on November 25, 2024/Handout*

Wanyonyi emphasised the government’s commitment to a multi-agency approach in ensuring compliance and called on officials to report illegal pharmaceutical activities in their regions to PPB for swift action.

Kaluai reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to protecting public health by ensuring access to safe, quality, and effective health products.

He stressed the importance of partnerships in regulatory enforcement and noted that past surveillance efforts had significantly reduced noncompliant pharmaceutical outlets.

Kaluai further urged the public to avoid unauthorised pharmaceutical services and emphasized the role of awareness in mitigating risks associated with illegal activities.

*Nairobi County Commissioner David Wanyonyi during a stakeholders' forum with PPB on November 25, 2024/Handout*

He called on the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to enforce permanent closure of non-compliant premises and ensure seized medicines are handled appropriately.

He further highlighted the need for proper disposal of expired medicines to prevent repackaging and resale, safeguarding consumers from potential harm.

The PPB remains committed to protecting the public from substandard pharmaceutical products and ensuring the sector adheres to regulatory standards.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is the Drug Regulatory Authority established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Chapter 244 of the Laws of Kenya.

The board regulates the practice of pharmacy and the manufacture and trade in drugs and poisons.

*A section of deputy county commissioners attending the forum on November 25, 2024/Handout*

The Board aims to implement the appropriate regulatory measures to achieve the highest standards of safety, efficacy and quality for all drugs, chemical substances and medical devices.

These include locally manufactured, imported, exported, distributed, sold, or used, to ensure the protection of the consumer as envisaged by the laws regulating drugs in force in Kenya.