102 illegal Pharmacies shut down in Nyanza as crackdown continues

 Dr. Dominic Kariuki from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board shows the press some of the drugs seized in illegally operated chemists where some 102 pharmacies have been shut down-Photo By Dickson Odhiambo

 By Dickson Odhiambo

December 20, 2019

102 illegal Pharmacies shut down in Nyanza as crackdown continues

A TOTAL of 102 chemists operating illegally in Nyanza region have been shut down, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board has announced.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board Head of good distribution practices and ports of entry Dr. Dominic Kariuki says the shutdown of the said illegal pharmacies has been as a result of the crackdown the board has carried out in the region since this December 16.

Addressing the press at the Nyanza regional Government Chemist offices today, Dr. Kariuki said the crackdown was carried out so as to supplement the routine inspection that are carried out by the Board’s regional inspectors.

Kariuki says during the crackdown that has seen 102 illegal chemists closed, a number of stocks have also been seized.

He adds that the owners of the illegal pharmacies have been arrested and taken to court where they have been charged with various offense.

Dr. Kariuki says during the crackdown, suspected government drugs identified as sulfran DS Tablets were found in a private chemist in Awasi town as the owner was arrested and charged with being in possession of government drugs among other charges.

Kariuki says so far a total of 56 cases have been taken to court and the accused persons who pleaded guilty have been fined ranging from shs 15,000 to 75,000.

“The other accused persons who pleaded not guilty were given court bonds of up to sh 500,000 and the cases are ongoing.All the seized drugs were handed over to the Pharmacy and poisons board for safe disposal,” Dr. Kariuki says.

Kariuki says the Board has requested the courts to enhance the fines charged on those found guilty of malpractices so as to act as a deterrent for those who engage in illegal activities as they are danger to public health.

He further says that the details of all the non-compliant outlets have been shared with the Nyanza Regional Police Commander for the enforcement of the closure.

“PPB inspectors have noted with concern the presence of unmarked/nameless chemists which is a key pointer to an illegal pharmaceutical outlet and the public should report such premises to PPB regional inspectors for immediate action,” he further adds.

He says among the challenges facing the Board’s inspectors included licensed wholesalers of drugs who are supplying illegal chemists, adding that such information has been obtained from invoices seized during the inspection.

He adds that the other challenge involve absentee superintendents where licensed pharmacies are left to be run by unqualified personnel.

He urges members of the public to use health safety codes displayed in registered pharmacy outlets to verify legality of the premises by sending SMS freely to 21031.

ENDS: