By Reporter
Senators have expressed concern over the reported expired medicines valued at Sh1 billion, as indicated in a Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) report.
The Senate Standing Committee on Health, chaired by Sen. Jackson Mandago, raised the alarm and urged the PPB to strengthen oversight and ensure that medicines do not expire in public health facilities.
The Committee said wastage of essential medicines has implications for access to healthcare and public resources.
The Committee directed that all health facilities handling expired medicines must have the necessary licences and comply with established procedures for their safe disposal.
The Senate, in a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), Dr Ahmed Mohamed, deliberated on the implementation of Senate resolutions arising from the Committee’s County Oversight and Networking Engagements.
Dr Ahmed informed the Committee that the PPB appreciates the Senate’s oversight role and is implementing recommendations aimed at strengthening regulation of pharmaceutical services and health products.
He said the Board was undertaking measures including strengthened regulatory frameworks, risk-based inspections, improved pharmaceutical waste management, digital transformation, enhanced licensing systems and mandatory Continuing Professional Development for pharmacy professionals.
The CEO noted that the interventions are intended to strengthen accountability across the pharmaceutical supply chain while improving the quality, safety and accessibility of pharmaceutical services in support of Universal Health Coverage.
During deliberations,
