KENYANS TO HAVE A SAY ON DRUGS ADMINISTERED TO THEM IN HOSPITALS.

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Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.

BY THOMAS KARIUKI.

The Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry (KAPI) has today launched the first Code of Practice for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Industry in Kenya.

The code is aimed at fostering an environment where patients are confident of choices made regarding their treatment in the best interest of their healthcare needs.

Speaking today during the launch in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu said that the code of practice will help curb the challenges that face the industry as well as increase transparency and accountability within the health sector.

The CS also said that his Ministry is committed to benefiting patients by operating in a professional, ethical and transparent manner to ensure appropriate use of medicines as well as support high quality healthcare.

“The aim of this code is to ensure that the promotion of medicines to health professions and other relevant decision makers is carried out within robust framework to support high quality patient care,” added Mailu.

Cs Mailu also assured Kenyans that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board will work closely with KAPI at the implementation of the Code to ensure that the Code is integrated into the bigger code of Ethics and Practice of professionals of pharmacy.

KAPI Chairman Dr. William Mwatu said the code outlines the principles and standards that will guide the practice of pharmaceutical organizations in Kenya by raising professionalism in the sector and protecting patient’s safety.

“We begin a journey of transforming the healthcare space in the country. We want to gain trust to our patients, transparency, accountability and integrity in health care sector,” Mwatu said.

Mwatu also pointed out that provided the industry requirements of the code are met, working with patients and patient organizations could bring significant health benefits as the country had reached a moment where international standards need to be set.

The code which has been ratified by 27 KAPI members in consultation with global industry leaders and partners will apply to KAPI member companies, their subsidiaries as well as their affiliates.

Present during the launch were Manager Policy, Ethics and Compliance, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Association (IFPMA) Dr. Vreni Schoenenberger, Register, Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Dr. Kipkerich Koskei.

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