The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) in partnership with the Kenya Police Service acted this week to target pharmaceutical outlets that illegally sell Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) to consumers in South Rift and Nairobi regions.
The operation that commenced on 22nd May 2022 has seen a complete seizure of at least 140 cartons of assorted HPTs worth 24 million Kenya shillings, found in the illegal premises.
The Head of Good Distribution Practices at PPB Julius Kaluai confirmed on Friday in a statement that 77 persons have been arrested and registered for prosecution in various courts within South rift and Nairobi regions.
“The seized medicines will be analysed and disposed off as guided through the issued court orders,” Kaluai said.
Some of the charges preferred to those found in violation include; Possession of part I poisons while not being an authorised seller of poisons contrary to section 26(1)(b) as read with section 26(2) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap. 244 laws of Kenya.
The scope of the operation target profiled hot spot counties namely Nakuru Nairobi, Kericho, Narok, Bomet, Laikipia and Samburu.
The targeted Health Products Technologies distribution outlets includes registered chemists, illegal chemists, medicine hawkers, clinics, herbal medicine stores and cosmetic shops stocking medicament containing preparations disguised as cosmetics.
Kaluai said the aim of the operation is to audit the documentation of controlled medicines and prescription medicines in line with the Pharmacy regulations.
He added that the Board is also conducting surveillance and enforcement of Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) Good Distribution Practices as well as enforcement of previously issued closure notices including execution of warrants of arrest relating to Pharma crimes.