Sputnik V vaccine suppliers apply to re-export consignments after State ban
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has said that it has received letters of intent from private players to re-export a consignments of prohibited Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Health, PPB head of Good Distribution Practices and Ports of Entry Dr Dominic Kariuki explained that the board has received a notice to re-export Sputnik V vaccine previously approved for emergency use in the country.
“The companies are in the process of officially applying for re-export but the letter of intent has been given to Pharmacy and Poisons board (PPB),” Dr. Kariuki said
“They have to re-apply because there is normally a procedure of importation and exportation of medicine, that is where the private importers are,” he told the committee chaired by TransNzoia Senator Michael Mbito.
Last Friday, the government banned the importation, distribution and administration of vaccines by the private sector, citing transparency issues.
Consequently, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced that the state had outlawed any form of licensing to allow private sector to vaccinate people in the country.
The existing licenses of operation were also revoked.
“There will be no licensing of private players in the importation of vaccines and any such license given will be and is hereby terminated. The only agent for vaccination in Kenya will remain the government of the republic of Kenya until further notice,” CS Kagwe said.
