The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has warned Kenyans against an unverified list circulating on social media, claiming to represent registered pharmacies.
In a statement, PPB said Kenyans should refer to the official list on its website to verify pharmacies' legitimacy, instead of the lists being circulated online.
"The PPB has taken note of an unverified list of pharmaceutical outlets circulating on social media. The registration of outlets is a continuous process. As such, the list of licensed pharmaceutical outlets is updated on a real-time basis to reflect any decision on approval, suspension, revocation or closure," PPB chief executive officer Fred Siyoi said.
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Siyoi says authorized pharmacies are issued licenses bearing a QR Code which can be scanned using any smartphone to verify the authenticity of the license.
"The list of licensed pharmaceutical outlets as of 11th March 2024 has been provided and sorted by county, constituency and ward. Further verification can be made by searching the website or scanning the QR Code on the license displayed at the outlets," he added.
According to the official list of pharmacies seen by K24 Digital, there are 8,670 outlets registered by PPB, most of which are in good legal standing.
Pharmacies closed
In February, PPB arrested 129 individuals in its crackdown against illegal pharmaceuticals in the country.
In a statement on February 18, 2024, PPB said it had also seized over 200 cartons of illicit medicines across Nairobi, South Rift, and Western regions.
"Ensuring the safety and integrity of pharmaceuticals is paramount to safeguarding public health. The PPB crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical activities this week resulted in the apprehension of 129 individuals and seizure of over 200 cartons of illicit medicines across Nairobi, South Rift, and Western regions," the statement read in part.
The board said the operation aimed to enforce regulatory standards, ensure public safety, and curb unlawful practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
"The PPB, the National Drug Regulatory Authority under the Ministry of Health, conducted this operation to enforce regulatory standards and ensure public safety," PPB added.
The crackdown, which started on January 29, targeted illegal pharmaceutical premises and chemists distributing unregistered medicines, posing significant risks to public health due to the lack of safety and efficacy guarantees.
Kaluai Julius, Head of Enforcement and Surveillance at PPB emphasized the commitment of the board to curbing unlawful practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
He highlighted the importance of verifying the legitimacy of pharmaceutical establishments and cautioned the public against purchasing medicines from unauthorized sources.
"Healthcare facilities handling pharmaceuticals are advised to apply online for the disposal of pharmaceutical waste or contact PPB regional officers for assistance," he said.
