Pharmacists raise red flag on Kenyans misusing antibiotics
George Kebaso @Morarak
Kenyans are at high risk of developing drug resistance especially during this era of Covid-19 with the pharmaceutical sector raising a red flag on the misuse of antibiotics.
Millions of Kenyans, fearing the impact of Covid-19, are said to be stocking piles of drugs such as Azithromycin, an antibiotic widely used to treat chest infections such as pneumonia, infections of the nose and throat such as sinuses; skin infections, Lyme disease, and some sexually transmitted infections.
Consequently, pharmacists in the country led by regulator, Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) have voiced their concerns over the misuse of antimicrobial medicines.
While acknowledging the work PPB was doing in sensitising the public as good, Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya President, Louis Machogu and Meraky Healthcare Limited director, Wairimu Mbogo however, want Health Cabinet secretary (CS), Mutahi Kagwe to urgently appoint a more robust Board to handle the escalating misuse of drugs in the country.
“It is unfortunate that the PPB doesn’t have a schedule of medicines to guide and ensure the right medicines are in the custody of the right professional at the community pharmacy level.
Who should issue antibiotics for example and what is their responsibility to the public and regulator?” he posed.
Machogu noted that the Board does not have a working self-regulation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Kagwe recently proposed amendments for parliament to remove professionals from the board of the PPB.
safe and responsible
On her part, Wairimu said antibiotics are prescription medicines and when used irresponsibly, may lead to resistance, which means there may be no ammunition against dangerous pathogens that infect human bodies.
“Safe and responsible use of Antibiotics must be encouraged as we are currently not developing any new medicines worldwide to fight pathogens.
“The request to return medicines to chemists is to ensure that they are disposed off properly, ensuring that we do not contaminate our water and drainage systems with Antibiotics.
Enforcement may need follow up. Also, we must ensure that we are sourcing our medicines from pharmacies that are registered by the PPB Kenya,” she added.
Yesterday, ahead of a major discussion this week on antimicrobial resistance, the Board sent out a warning on the use of antibiotics.
“We need to use antimicrobials, particularly antibiotics, safely to protect our health and the health of future generations,” Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Fred Siyoi said on the institution’s website and issued regulatory guidance on use of antimicrobial medicines.
