Drugs stock-outs looms over reconfigured PPB portal, “block” 21,000 essential drugs
KPDA issued a stark warning, citing a looming nationwide drug shortage within two weeks and a spike of between 30 per cent to 50 per cent pointing an accusing finger to PPB, which it claims has restricted access to over 21,000 essential medicines
Kenya’s pharmaceutical distributors have warned of looming drug shortage due to a reconfigured Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) portal blocking access to 21,000 essential medicines from entering the country, sparking concerns among pharmaceutical distributors.
To forestall a full blown crisis, the Kenya Pharmaceuticals Distribution Association (KPDA) has advised atients facing shortages should communicate with their prescribing doctor for potential alternative treatments or dosages and consult their pharmacist for other options or generic forms.
KPDA issued a stark warning, citing a looming nationwide drug shortage within two weeks and a spike of between 30 per cent to 50 per cent pointing an accusing finger to PPB, which it claims has restricted access to over 21,000 essential medicines.
According to KPDA Chairperson, Dr. Kamamia Wa Murichu, the PPB reconfigured its medicine importation portal as part of efforts to prepare for a World Health Organization (WHO) audit aimed at elevating Kenya’s regulatory authority to Maturity Level 3 status. Murichu states this move has unintentionally crippled medicine imports.
“Over 21,000 essential medicines have been blocked from importation. Kenya is 80 per cent reliant on imported medicine, making this disruption a direct danger to public health and economy,” Murichu noted.
He warns that the national stocks of life-saving drugs could run critically low in two weeks, affecting antibiotics, cancer therapies, antimalarials, vaccines, insulin, blood pressure drugs, and HIV therapies.
“Diabetes treatment costs, currently at Sh4,000 – 6,000, could rise to Sh7,000 – 9,000… This will push thousands of households below the poverty line,” Murichu added.
However, PPB has dismissed KPDA’s claims, describing them as “deceptive and intended to incite public fear.”
