Editor's Review

Industry players failing to comply were warned that they would be subjected to serious legal penalties.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has flagged the drugs approved by the Indian Pharmacopeia (IP) as inappropriate.

In an advisory to the Kenyan pharmacists on Saturday, January 18, the board stated that IP is authorised to standardise the drugs sold in the country.

The PPB observed that pharmaceutical products, particularly those approved by the Indian agency, had increased in the Kenyan market without checks by the relevant local body.

"Note that the Indian Pharmacopeia is not within the purview of drug registration requirements in the country, and as such, products citing this standard are not compliant with Kenyan regulations...any pharmaceutical product that is not duly registered by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board is strictly prohibited for importation, distribution, sale, or handling in Kenya," the board said in its advisory.

Inside a chemist's shop.

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The board directed the stakeholders in the pharmaceutical field to cease and desist from trading, importing, or handling any unregistered products, including those with references to the Indian Pharmacopeia.


"Ensure that all pharmaceutical products in your possession are duly registered and approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board; Adhere to the requirements outlined in the Pharmacy and Poisons Act and any other relevant regulations," the PPB directed.

The body warned that any industry player failing to comply with the foregoing directive would be subjected to severe regulatory actions, including, but not limited to, the seizure of products, revocation of licenses, and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, IP is an independent body under the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

It is charged with setting standards for all drugs manufactured and distributed in India.