The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has increased its surveillance efforts across the country in a bid to combat illegal pharmaceutical practices and protect public health.
In an operation that began on March 26, 2023, the Board successfully arrested 70 offenders after raiding illegal pharmaceutical outlets in the Central and Nairobi regions.
During a press briefing in Nyeri, the head of the Central Region, Dr. Tom Kauki, stressed the importance of collaboration between the public, media, and law enforcement agencies to ensure that closed premises remain closed.
He also disclosed that the operation resulted in 94 pharmaceutical premises being issued closure notices.
The operation was conducted in conjunction with the National Police Service (NPS) to promote good distribution practices for Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) and raise awareness about the PPB mandate within the Nairobi and Central regions.
Dr. Kauki further urged licensed personnel to take full responsibility for their premises and prevent unlicensed individuals from managing pharmacies.
Meanwhile, as a way of enhancing its enforcement efforts under, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has established operational offices in Kiambu and Murang’a counties.
Dr. Kauki also called on public and private health facilities that handle pharmaceuticals to dispose off any pharmaceutical waste they posess by applying online through the board’s website.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is Kenya’s National Drug Regulatory Authority.
It was established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act Cap 244 Laws of Kenya to oversee the practice of pharmacy and ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products and health technologies.
