Kenya:Four Pharmaceuticals Practitioners Suspended Over Misconduct

By Samuel Ouma

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya (PPB) has announced the suspension of four pharmaceutical practitioners due to professional misconduct.

This decision followed investigations conducted by the Board’s Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee (EDC), led by Dr. Richard Muthoka.

“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board, through its Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee (EDC) chaired by Dr. Richard Muthoka, has suspended and revoked the licenses of several pharmaceutical practitioners following investigations into complaints of professional misconduct,” said Dr. F. M. Siyoi, Chief Executive Officer of the PPB.

One significant violation involved Malibu Pharmacy, where a pharmacist allowed the delivery of medication that had an external label containing a complainant’s full name, phone number, house name, and diagnosis.

Additionally, the package included an insurance form with incorrect and improperly coded information, which compromised sensitive patient details. As a result, the EDC determined that this was a breach of professional conduct, leading to a six-month suspension for Dr. Nancy Wangu Kaguri, the pharmacy’s superintendent.

Pharmaceutical technologist Lovi Lovince Manono faced suspension for engaging in fraudulent activities. He was accused of making an agreement with a non-professional to establish a pharmacy using his credentials, only to later transfer control to an unqualified individual. This led to the revocation of his license and a five-year suspension from practising pharmacy.

Dr. Charles Mukabi Waweru, a pharmacist, was penalized for failing to properly close a pharmacy in Matasia, Kajiado County. He did not inform the PPB and left the premises open without a registered pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist, which posed a risk to public health. Consequently, the committee suspended his license for three months.

Emmanuel Odhiambo Gwassi was found guilty of operating a pharmacy in an unregistered location without a registered pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist. His pharmaceutical representative license was revoked for five years.

Caroline Wachera, a pharmaceutical technologist, was accused of not notifying the Board about the closure of a pharmacy. However, evidence showed that she had given up her business partnership and had made efforts to comply with regulations. As a result, the committee issued her an admonishment letter.

The PPB highlighted its commitment to upholding the highest standards in the pharmaceutical industry to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the profession.