58 people have been arrested and 124 premises closed in a crackdown on illegal pharmacies in the Coastal region, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) said on Friday.
Pharmacy outlets in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties that had been flagged during routine inspections for flouting regulations were targeted during the crackdown that was conducted as from March 21, 2021.
48 cartons of assorted medicines found in the illegal premises were also seized by the PPB inspectors.
Astatement signed by the Deputy Director of the Board Inspectorate, Dr. Dominic Kariuki, read, “The seized medicines will be analyzed and disposed as per PPB guidelines on disposal of pharmaceutical waste. The list of closed premises has been shared with county administration and Kenya police service for enforcement of closure.”
The 58 people that were arrested have been charged with possession of poisons, carrying on the business of a pharmaceutical technologist in unregistered premises, lack of registered pharmacists in the premises and not being authorized sellers.
Fines of up to Ksh.40,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 months were given to those who pleaded guilty.
However, PPB has requested courts to increase fines upto Ksh.1,000,000 for those found guilty in line with the fines in the amended Cap 244 to act as a deterrent.
Dr. Kariuki added, “PPB inspectors have observed with concern a trend where licensed pharmacy outlets are left to be manned by unqualified persons. Such absentee superintendents have been summoned for disciplinary action as per Cap 244 of the laws of Kenya.”
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