The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts to curb the illegal distribution, wholesale, and transportation of pharmaceuticals in a bid to protect public health.
The operation in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) kicked off Monday in Nakuru and will target unlicensed courier services, motorbike operators, and public transport providers.
According to PPB’s Head of Enforcement and Surveillance, Julius Kaluai, the crackdown aims to eliminate non-compliant pharmaceutical practices by enforcing regulatory standards across the country.
Kaluai cautioned unlicensed courier services, motorbike operators, and public transport providers against handling pharmaceuticals without authorization warning that they must meet national standards or face disciplinary measures.
The crackdown follows a recent nationwide audit of health facilities aimed at identifying and addressing malpractices within the pharmaceutical sector.
Kaluai stated that data gathered during the surveillance would help pinpoint patterns in illegal pharmaceutical activities, enabling intelligence-based enforcement to better target these issues.
He also highlighted the need for closer collaboration between PPB and other government agencies at border points to prevent the entry of unregistered pharmaceuticals, further strengthening safeguards for public health.
Additionally, Kaluai issued a notice to retail outlets operating unauthorized online pharmacies, urging them to register their premises according to the services they provide.
He warned that all non-compliant entities would face strict enforcement measures to protect the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal activities within the sector.
