The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), on Sunday announced that it had compiled a list of licensed pharmaceutical outlets on its website following a crackdown on illegal outlets.
In collaboration with the National Drug Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Health, the crackdown exposed a syndicate involved in the pilferage of medical supplies from government stores.
This operation, executed in collaboration with the National Police Service on May 13, targeted illegal entities dispensing medications without the necessary licenses from the PPB.
It was revealed by the PPB that government hospitals were lacking essential drugs following the theft of the drugs later sold at private unlicensed facilities.
After the crackdown, the government requested Kenyans to purchase medical supplies from only licensed outlets to avert health risks.
The list of licensed pharmaceutical outlets is publicly available on PPB's website.
Kenyans were advised to check the legibility of the chemist before making any purchases.
Thirty-five (35) individuals were arrested in the crackdown while 50 premises were shut down, with the confiscated medicines expected to serve as evidence in prosecution.
Those found guilty will face stringent penalties under the Penal Code and other applicable laws.
"Our ongoing efforts are crucial in safeguarding public health," Kaluai stated.
This comes after the Pharmacy and Poisons Board on April 11 cautioned Kenyans against purchasing a cough syrup which was recalled by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria.
The cough syrup was stated to contain diethylene glycol a contaminant that is toxic to humans and can potentially lead to deaths.
