PPB suspends, revokes pharmacists' licences over misconduct

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has taken decisive action against several pharmaceutical practitioners following investigations into professional misconduct complaints.

Among the cases reviewed by the board’s Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee (EDC), chaired by Dr. Richard Muthoka, was Malibu Pharmacy, where a serious breach of patient confidentiality occurred.

According to the PPB, a pharmacist authorized the delivery of medication with an external label displaying a patient’s full name, phone number, house name, and diagnosis.

“Additionally, the package contained an insurance form with wrong diagnosis and improperly coded, exposing the patient’s sensitive information,” PPB Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Fred Siyoi said in a statement to newsrooms.

“Upon hearing the complaint, the committee concluded that this was a breach of professional conduct and recommended the suspension of Dr. Nancy Wangu Kaguri’s licence, the superintendent of the pharmacy, for six months.”

In another case, pharmaceutical technologist Lovi Lovince Manono faced disciplinary action for engaging in fraudulent activities.

Manono had used his credentials to set up a pharmacy in collaboration with a non-professional, later transferring control to the unqualified individual.

The EDC deemed this a grave professional misconduct and revoked his licence, imposing a five-year suspension from practice.

Dr. Charles Mukabi Waweru was also found culpable of negligence after he failed to properly close a pharmacy in Matasia, Kajiado County, leaving it operational without a registered pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist.

The committee determined this posed a public health risk and suspended Dr. Waweru’s licence for three months.

Similarly, Emmanuel Odhiambo Gwassi faced severe penalties for operating an unregistered pharmacy and failing to ensure the presence of a licensed professional.

His pharmaceutical representative licence was revoked, and he received a five-year suspension from practice.

“Lastly, the committee issued an admonishment letter to Caroline Wachera, a pharmaceutical technologist, who was accused of failing to properly close a pharmacy by not notifying the Board,” Dr. Siyoi added.

“However, it was found that Wachera had relinquished her business partnership and made efforts to comply with regulations, resulting in the committee pardoning her.”