Pharmacy board confiscates 200 cartons of medicine from 400 chemists

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has seized 200 cartons of assorted medicines from 400 premises inspected countrywide in a crackdown to ensure compliance and proper dispensing practices.

The Board CEO Dr. Fred Siyoi, in a statement to newsrooms on Friday, said the move was aimed at regulating pharmacy practices in line with the government’s directive on eradicating drug, and substance abuse in the country.

Dr. Siyoi said the operation audited regulated pharmaceutical entities to ensure compliance with good distribution practices as far as narcotic and psychotropic substances are concerned.

“In response to 25 presidential directives issued on March 7th aimed at combating illicit brews, alcohol, drug, and substance abuse, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board initiated a joint multi-agency operation nationwide,” Dr. Siyoi noted.

“In this regard, the Board has inspected 400 premises and seized 200 cartons of assorted medicines.”

The impounded drugs will now be used as exhibits in the pending court proceedings before later being disposed of in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

The PPB boss consequently warned the public to be wary of unlicensed distribution chemists, reiterating that the drugs sold on the premises may not meet the standards and thus may pose health risks.

“Furthermore, the public was cautioned against chemists operating without names (a key indicator of illegality) and unregistered medicines, as they may not meet regulatory standards and could pose health risks,” Dr. Siyoi added.

As a cautionary measure, registered public and private healthcare facilities handling pharmaceuticals were also urged to apply online for the disposal of pharmaceutical waste and to stay updated with regulatory provisions governing the dispensing of controlled medicines.