Kenya’s pharmacy board promotes efficiency through online platforms

NAIROBI: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has embraced the Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) and National Electronic Single Window System in its operations. "The board has embraced paperless platform allowing faster online approvals and reduced turnaround time in processing certificates, trade documents and updating lists of registered medicines for proper authentication,'' said the Board's Registrar Kipkerich Koskei in an interview with The Standard.

Dr Koskei said the move enhances the regulation of pharmaceutical practices and trade in medical products and health technologies. "Safety, quality and efficacy of drug products and health technologies is our priority. The board ensures it protects the public against any possible risks," he said.

IFMIS system allows pharmacies and practitioner's registration and licensing online. The system also monitors pharmacy training institutions, quality, safety and efficacy of conventional and complementary products. Others are dietary supplements and medical vaccines and Herbal products. "It is now easy for consumers to reach the board and report cases of suspected inferior, counterfeit, false labels, falsified medicines or in the event that they experience adverse effects on them."