The Ministry of Health has raised fresh concerns over the circulation of counterfeit, substandard, and falsified medicines, warning the public against buying drugs from unverified sources.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

During a meeting with the Kenya Healthcare Federation in preparation for the Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC) 2026, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni urged Kenyans to obtain medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised outlets rather than websites, social media pages or informal traders.

She also advised consumers to examine medicine packaging and seek professional guidance when they suspect a product may be unsafe.

“We have advised members of the public to avoid medicines sold through unverified websites, social media pages, informal traders or other unauthorised outlets, and also check the packaging to ensure the drugs are safe,” she stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

Muthoni specifically flagged suspected counterfeit emergency contraceptives, including Postinor-2, and urged anyone who encounters the suspected medicines to stop using them and seek medical advice.

The warning comes as health authorities intensify efforts to curb the supply of medicines that may contain incorrect quantities of active ingredients, harmful substances, or no active ingredients at all.

In August, the PPB identified a falsified batch of P-2, identified by batch number T34197R, which was said to be circulating in the country.

The PS said the ministry is working with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to strengthen surveillance of medicines circulating in the Kenyan market.

Her remarks follow a recent enforcement operation led by the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Inspector General (USAID OIG) in partnership with Kenyan authorities targeting pharmacies suspected of handling stolen, expired and improperly distributed medical supplies.

The operation targeted 18 pharmaceutical premises and resulted in two arrests and the closure or sealing of at least four outlets .

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke