Homa Bay: Residents of Homa Bay County have been urged to help in the fight against unlicensed pharmacies selling fake medicine. The County Pharmacist Wycliffe Dunde stated that the proliferation of unregistered clinics and fake medicine in the market poses a threat to the health and wellbeing of the residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dunde emphasized that residents could report these unscrupulous dealers to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. He noted that several clinics in Homa Bay County had been closed following complaints of operating without licenses and selling fake medicine.
Some patients of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Homa Bay County have raised concerns about the presence of fake drugs in the market. Dunde expressed confidence in the success of the fight against fake medicines and unregistered clinics if residents actively participate by reporting culprits to relevant authorities and government agencies.
During a meeting with the Homa Bay County NCDs patients' advocacy group in Homa Bay town over the weekend, Dunde urged residents to avoid seeking services from unregistered health facilities. He mentioned that the Ministry of Health has begun sensitizing residents to combat this issue.
Dunde advised residents to demand licenses from practitioners they suspect of illegally operating clinics. He pointed out that some individuals exploit the increasing number of NCD patients to sell fake drugs and run illegal clinics in Homa Bay. These fake drugs often come in the form of falsified names and incorrect packaging.
He asserted that the fight against fake medicine should be a community responsibility, and that unscrupulous individuals should not be allowed to operate. During the meeting, Homa Bay Chief Officer for Public Health Evelyn Ododa stated that efforts are underway to ensure a seamless supply of drugs for patients, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing quality health care for the people.
Edward Ochieng, Chairman of the NCDs advocacy group, expressed concerns that fake drugs exacerbate the conditions of patients. He urged the government to expedite investigations into already identified outlets for the safety of their members and called for measures to prevent fake drugs from entering the market. The group also wants the government to make NCD drugs affordable and locally available.