Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered an immediate crackdown on pharmacies nationwide as part of broader reforms aimed at curbing the distribution of counterfeit medicine.
Speaking in Nakuru County on Wednesday, July 23, Duale raised concerns over the surge in the sale of medicines over the counter by unqualified personnel.
He noted that the government, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), would soon begin nationwide inspections targeting pharmacies involved in the sale of counterfeit medicine and those operating without a license.
Duale emphasised that all pharmacy operators must obtain proper approval before dispensing medication, warning that the government would take firm action against anyone found violating the law.
“Do not distribute medicine if you're not a pharmacist, even in shops,” Duale warned. “All medication prescribed by doctors must be approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.”
He added, “In this country, henceforth, there will be no fake medicine, no quack doctors, and no unqualified pharmacists. If you lack the necessary qualifications and are operating a pharmacy, prepare for the worst.”
While addressing residents in Nakuru, the CS also issued a stern warning to hospitals admitting more patients than their licensed bed capacity.
He ordered health facilities to strictly adhere to their bed limits, stating that those exceeding capacity would be held accountable. Duale reaffirmed his commitment to restoring quality and regulated healthcare for all Kenyans.
The CS maintained that the enforcement of the bed capacity rule remains key to aligning Social Health Authority (SHA) reimbursements with actual facility data.
“There should be no more sleeping on the floor in our hospitals. Two women should not share a bed. Do not allow yourselves to be subjected to such conditions because SHA will not reimburse those claims,” Duale affirmed.
“We will protect the dignity of patients. From now on, the patient is the boss. We will not tolerate any mistreatment of Kenyan patients by health workers,” he added.
To enforce the directive, the Ministry of Health officials were instructed to strictly vet all hospital claims based on the licensed bed capacity of SHA-accredited facilities.
