Pharmacy and Poisons Board Suspends Licenses of Four Pharmaceutical Practitioners for Professional Misconduct

By Samuel Ouma

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya has suspended the licenses of four pharmaceutical practitioners following investigations into professional misconduct.

The decision, announced on September 9, 2024, was made by the Board’s Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee (EDC), chaired by Dr. Richard Muthoka.

According to the Board's statement, two pharmaceutical technologists were suspended for two years for allowing unlicensed individuals to access their professional credentials and manage licensed premises, which posed significant risks to public health. Their actions were deemed a breach of their professional duties, jeopardizing public safety.

In a separate ruling, another pharmaceutical technologist received a three-month suspension for failing to ensure the proper closure of a former premises. This failure allowed an unqualified individual to continue operating the facility, further endangering public health.

The fourth pharmaceutical technologist faced a more severe penalty, receiving a three-year suspension for impersonating a student during the Board's May 2024 examination series. The Board described the offence as a severe breach of trust and professional integrity.

"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 a section of the Committee's decision.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to strictly regulating the pharmacy profession to safeguard public health, warning that any further violations of professional standards would be dealt with decisively.

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