Pharmacy Board to implement pharmaceutical reforms
JUDY SHERI-PCO
The Chairperson of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), Dr. John Munyu has called on pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists and proprietors to embrace ethical practice and regulatory compliance as Kenya implements pharmaceutical reforms designed to strengthen patient safety, improve medicine quality and secure the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
Addressing delegates at the 22nd Kenya Pharmaceutical Association Scientific Conference in Mombasa, Dr Munyu said the future of pharmaceutical practice depends on partnership between regulators and healthcare professionals stressing that regulation and professional practice are complementary responsibilities with a shared objective of protecting patients.
“Every Kenyan deserves medicine that is safe, effective and of assured quality dispensed by qualified professionals operating within a credible and responsive regulatory system,” he said.
The conference, officially opened by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, brought together pharmaceutical professionals, regulators, academia, manufacturers, development partners and industry leaders under the theme, “Optimising Pharmaceutical Practice to Advance Patient Safety, Medicine Access and Healthcare Excellence.”
Dr Munyu said the Board is implementing institutional reforms to position PPB as a modern, efficient and internationally recognised National Medicines Regulatory Authority capable of responding to emerging health challenges while facilitating innovation and access to quality-assured medical products.
He noted that the reforms are aimed at creating a transparent, predictable and risk-based regulatory environment that supports ethical professional practice, enhances public confidence and promotes investment in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector.
The PPB Chair challenged pharmaceutical professionals to strengthen compliance with Good Storage and Distribution Practice (GSDP) standards, noting that preserving the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines throughout the supply chain is a professional obligation that directly affects patient outcomes.