By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has disowned an individual captured in a circulating video allegedly dispensing medicine to a client.
The Society confirmed that the individual was dispensing tropical acyclovir formulation for ocular use.
The video clearly shows the client, who is a popular Kenyan politician.
PSK said the pharmacy staff is not a licensed pharmacist nor a member of the society.
In a statement, PSK said preliminary verification established that the individual featured in the footage does not belong to the professional body representing pharmacists in Kenya.
“Following preliminary verification, PSK confirms that the individual featured in the circulating footage is NOT a licensed Pharmacist and is NOT a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya,” the statement read.
The society warned against mischaracterising every person working in a pharmacy setting as a pharmacist, saying such misrepresentation is inaccurate and unfairly associates trained professionals with incidents that have not been verified.
“It is important to correct public and media mischaracterisation that refers to every person working in a pharmacy setting as a ‘Pharmacist’. Such misrepresentation is inaccurate and unfairly associates the Pharmacist with incidents without verification,” PSK said.
PSK said it had taken note of the video alleging that a pharmacy staff member dispensed a topical acyclovir formulation intended for dermatological use as an eye treatment, describing any dispensing error involving the wrong formulation or route of administration as a serious clinical concern.
“Patient safety remains paramount. Any dispensing error involving incorrect formulation or route of administration is a serious clinical concern that warrants regulatory review,” the statement said.
The society explained that pharmacy premises in Kenya operate under the current regulatory framework where both pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists may practice within licensed outlets.
However, the incident highlights the need for stronger prescription verification systems, clearer accountability structures and reinforced patient safety safeguards in pharmacy practice.
PSK noted that medicines intended for ophthalmic use are distinct from dermatological formulations and emphasised that proper prescription review and verification of the route of administration are essential components of safe dispensing practice.
The professional body called on the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to investigate the matter thoroughly, verify compliance of the outlet with licensing requirements and reinforce patient safety standards across all pharmacy premises.
“This matter should be approached as a patient safety issue. It presents an opportunity to strengthen systems, improve oversight and enhance public trust in pharmaceutical care,” PSK said.
The society urged the public to understand that such incidents do not reflect the standards of pharmaceutical practice in Kenya, noting that appropriate regulatory mechanisms exist to address confirmed breaches.
“The public should be reassured that such incidents are not reflective of standard pharmaceutical practice in Kenya. This matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves, and appropriate regulatory mechanisms are in place to address any confirmed breaches,” the statement said.
PSK said it remains committed to advancing professional standards and safeguarding every Kenyan who seeks care within a pharmacy.
The statement was signed by Dr. Wairimu Mbogo, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, and copied to the Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.