The suspension came following a decision taken by the board’s Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee (EDC) led by the Committee’s Chairperson, Dr Richard Muthoka
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) on Monday, September 9 announced the suspension of the licenses of four pharmaceutical practitioners for professional misconduct.
The suspension came following a decision taken by the board’s Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee (EDC) led by the Committee’s Chairperson, Dr Richard Muthoka, with the two pharmaceutical technologists having their licenses suspended for two years.
A pharmaceutical technologist is a healthcare professional who is responsible for various tasks related to the preparation, dispensing, and management of pharmaceutical products in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
Dr Fred Siyoi, CEO of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB). /PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF KENYA
He or she has a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences, laboratory techniques, and quality assurance, holding a role that requires attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
The duo was accused of offences that included allowing unlicensed individuals to access their professional credentials and manage their licensed premises, thereby jeopardizing public health.
“Another pharmaceutical technologist received a three-month suspension for failing to ensure the proper closure of a former premises, which allowed an unqualified person to continue overseeing operations, posing a risk to public safety,” PPB explained in a statement.
In a separate ruling, the Committee also suspended the license of a pharmaceutical technologist for a period of three years, found impersonating a student during the Board’s May 2024 examination series.
“After a thorough review of the facts and your written confessions, the Board concludes that your actions represent a serious breach of trust and integrity, essential qualities for anyone in the pharmaceutical field,” read part of the Committee’s decision.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to regulating the pharmacy profession to protect public health. Notably, PPB did not mention the names of the four practitioners who were suspended.
PPB is the Drug Regulatory Authority established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Chapter 244 of the Laws of Kenya. The Board regulates the Practice of Pharmacy and the Manufacture and Trade in drugs and poisons.
The Board aims to implement the appropriate regulatory measures to achieve the highest standards of safety, efficacy and quality for all drugs, chemical substances and medical devices, locally manufactured, imported, exported, distributed, sold, or used, to ensure the protection of the consumer as envisaged by the laws regulating drugs in force in Kenya.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board offices. /FILE