The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has cautioned the public against relying on a fake list claiming to represent registered pharmaceutical outlets in the country.
In a notice on Friday, March 15, PPB Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Fred Siyoi, stated that the list was not verified and warned members of the public against taking it for the truth.
According to the notice, registration of pharmacies is a continuous process, and the list of registered outlets is updated on a real-time basis to reflect any decision including revocation, approval, suspension, or closure.
In its advice to members of the public, the Board issued guidelines through which information on whether a particular outlet is registered or not can be obtained online.
Pharmacy Board Gives Direction on Chemist Registration
All authorized outlets, according to the PPB, are issued with licenses bearing a QR Code which allows individuals to easily verify their authenticity using a smartphone.
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In addition, the Board said the list of licensed pharmaceutical outlets as of March 11th, 2024, has been provided and sorted by county, constituency and ward for easier access to enable individuals to verify registered outlets.
Further verification, the Board added, can be made by searching the website or scanning the QR Code on the license displayed at the outlets.
To ensure transparency and safety, the PPB encouraged individuals to utilize its website or scan the QR Code displayed at pharmaceutical outlets for further verification.
Information on Licensed Chemists
“The list of licensed pharmaceutical outlets can be accessed on the PPB website through the provided link,” the notice read in part.
In the notice, the pharmacy regulator urged consumers to remain vigilant and rely on verified sources of information when seeking medical products and services.
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The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is the Kenya’s regulatory body for drugs that was formed under the Pharmacy and poisons Act, Cap244.
It is tasked with safeguarding public health and overseeing pharmacy practices and ensuring that medical products and health technologies meet standards of quality, safety and effectiveness.
“In execution of its mandate, the PPB conducts the registration and licensing of pharmaceutical outlets, including manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and other retail outlets,” noted Dr. Siyoi.
