Pharmacy Board engages stakeholders to strengthen regulation of products

Dr. Dominic Kariuki, Director of Inspectorate and Enforcement addresses county pharmacists during the opening of a two-day workshop focused on strengthening the regulation of health products and technologies across Kenya.[Mercy Kahenda, Standard]

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has commenced engagement with County pharmacists aimed at enhancing the regulation of health products and technologies across the country.

In a workshop held on Monday, the board, pharmacists, and regional regulatory officers seek to identify areas of collaboration to streamline operations and ensure patients' safety.

Speaking during the opening session, Dr. Dominic Kariuki, Director of Inspectorate and Enforcement at PPB, on behalf of the board CEO emphasized the board's commitment to working closely with county pharmacists to strengthen surveillance and regulatory frameworks.

"The PPB is keen on fostering a collaborative relationship with county pharmacists to ensure that health products and technologies are safe, effective, and accessible to all Kenyans," Dr. Kariuki stated.

During the two-day engagement, the stakeholders will focus on discussions around the transportation of pharmaceuticals under appropriate conditions and the practice of standardized procedures for the safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste to protect public health and the environment.

They will also address issues of ensuring pharmaceuticals are sourced from licensed and registered practitioners and promoting the employment of qualified personnel to get rid of quacks.

The meeting will also open room for discussion on timely reporting and removal of substandard products.

Dr. Kariuki highlighted the importance of these collaborative efforts in safeguarding public health.

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"By working together, we can ensure that the pharmaceutical sector operates with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of all Kenyans," he said.

The workshop is expected to culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the PPB and county pharmacists, formalizing their commitment to these collaborative efforts.

The MoU will serve as a framework for ongoing cooperation and the implementation of best practices in the regulation of health products and technologies.

County pharmacists expressed their support for the initiative, noting that it would enhance their capacity to regulate pharmaceutical practices at the grassroots level.

"This partnership with the PPB will empower us to better serve our communities by ensuring that only safe and effective health products are available to the public," said Dr Clever Kimathi chair of county pharmacists.

The two-day workshop marks a significant step towards strengthening Kenya's pharmaceutical regulatory framework and underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving public health goals.