Pharmacy and Poisons Board suspends licences of four pharmacists

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has suspended the licences for four pharmaceutical practitioners due to professional misconduct.

In a statement released on September 9, PPB revealed that its Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee (EDC) had taken action against these practitioners. The suspensions were imposed following serious breaches of professional conduct.

Two pharmaceutical technologists had their licences suspended for two years each, according to the statement released by Dr. Richard Muthoka, PPB's board member revealed.

Their violations included permitting unlicensed individuals to access their professional credentials and manage their licensed premises, which compromised public health.

Another pharmaceutical technologist received a three-month suspension for failing to properly close down a former premises. This allowed an unqualified person to continue overseeing operations, posing a risk to public safety.

In a separate case, the Committee suspended the licence of a pharmaceutical technologist for three years. This individual was found guilty of impersonating a student during the Board’s May 2024 examination series.

A patient buys medicine over the counter at a chemist in Nairobi. (Photo: Handout)

“After a thorough review of the facts and written confessions, the Board concludes that these actions represent a serious breach of trust and integrity, essential in the pharmaceutical profession,” stated the Committee's decision.

The Board reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the pharmacy profession and ensuring the integrity of its practitioners.

In June 2024, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board took decisive action by closing over 100 rogue chemists in the North Rift region. This move was part of a broader effort to crack down on unlicensed and improperly managed pharmaceutical operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution when buying pharmaceuticals and to obtain medications exclusively from licenced and reputable sources.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board serves as the National Drug Regulatory Authority within the Ministry of Health, established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act Cap 244 of the Laws of Kenya.

Its primary role is to oversee the practice of pharmacy and ensure that medical products and health technologies are safe, effective, and of high quality.