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82 illegal pharmacies shut down across the country in latest crackdown

Pharmacy and Poisons Board officials and security personnel during a crackdown that shut down 82 premises in Nairobi, Central, and Upper Eastern regions. (Photo: PPB)

By Hanifa Adan | 21 Apr 2024

Thirty-six individuals have been apprehended, with legal actions commenced against several others, including 7 in Nairobi, 19 in Central Kenya, and 10 in the Upper Eastern Region.

In a sweeping crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical activities, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), led by Head of Enforcement and Surveillance Julius Kaluai, has closed 82 premises in Nairobi, Central, and Upper Eastern regions.

The operation, which began on April 14, targets facilities violating health regulations. So far, 36 individuals have been apprehended, with legal actions commenced against several, including 7 in Nairobi, 19 in Central Kenya, and 10 in the Upper Eastern Region.

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Additionally, authorities have confiscated 88 boxes containing various health products and technologies.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board confiscated 88 boxes containing various health products and technologies. (Photo: PPB)

"The ongoing operation underscores PPB's unwavering commitment to protecting the public from the dangers posed by illegal pharmaceutical activities, reinforcing their dedication to ensuring safety, quality, and efficacy in medical products and health technologies," read their statement

Kaluai emphasised the importance of purchasing pharmaceuticals only from licensed and reputable sources.

He urged the public to exercise caution, particularly against chemists operating without names and unregistered medicines, which may pose health risks and to report any suspicious activities promptly.

The Board has also released a list of registered pharmaceutical outlets accessible online to further enhance compliance and adherence.

A closure notice by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board during the crackdown. (Photo: PPB)

In execution of its mandate, the PPB conducts the registration and licensing of pharmaceutical outlets, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies (including those in hospitals and clinics), and other retail outlets in line with the provisions of the Act.

The crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical activities kicked off on January 29 and focused on pharmaceutical premises that illegally distributed unregistered medicines which posed a significant health risk.

The Board also arrested 129 individuals in Nairobi, South Rift, and Western and was able to recover 200 cartons of illicit medicines in February.

The Board commended the diligent efforts of regulatory inspectors, officers from the National Police Service, and government administrative agencies for playing a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain and safeguarding public health.