DP Gachagua Vows Crackdown on Fake Drugs and Unlicensed Pharmacies

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the Government is intensifying its efforts to eliminate the sale of fake and counterfeit medicines in Kenya. This initiative aims to remove harmful drugs from both licensed and unlicensed outlets.

Speaking at the opening of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) International Scientific Conference in Mombasa on Wednesday, the Deputy President emphasized the importance of cooperation between security officers, the PSK, and other agencies. He stated that this collaboration is essential to identify and take action against those illegally operating pharmacies and chemists.

“One of our weak points in the fight against drugs and substance abuse is some pharmacists and chemists dispensing unprescribed drugs over the counter. Many young people, even in Mombasa, obtain syrups from these establishments and mix them with other substances to create dangerous concoctions,” Gachagua said.

He urged members of the PSK to uphold the integrity of their profession by not dispensing unprescribed drugs and maintaining proper records of all dispensed medications. “I call upon professionals running pharmacies and chemists to live up to their oath and do the right thing. Don’t dispense unprescribed drugs over the counter,” he urged.

To ensure the success of this crackdown, Gachagua stated that county officers have been instructed to work closely with professionals and relevant agencies. “There are many quacks who have opened pharmacies and chemists. We will provide security and intelligence teams to help shut them down and take firm action against these crooks,” he asserted.

Acknowledging the vital role of pharmacists in the health sector, the Deputy President highlighted their importance in the rollout of Universal Health Coverage. “Pharmacists are the backbone of our health sector. It is critical that you are professional because if you dispense the wrong drug, the whole value chain from consultation to diagnosis will be in vain,” he noted.

Gachagua also congratulated the PSK on its 60th anniversary and encouraged its members to take an active role in shaping policies and legislation crucial to the sector. He praised the Society for its work on the Kenya Drugs Authority Bill, 2022, which proposes the establishment of a single regulatory body for human and animal medicines in accordance with the Health Act, 2017.

“That is why we are excited that, among other legal and policy frameworks, PSK has ignited and sustained a robust discourse among professionals, other sector actors, and the public on the Kenya Drugs Authority Bill, 2022,” he said.