High Court has prohibited the Pharmacy and Poisons Board from inspecting premises and issuing certificates of compliance to manufacturers of medicinal substances.
Justice George Odunga overturned the March 10 circular issued by the Principal Secretary in the Health ministry, Nicholas Muraguri, stopping the National Quality Control Laboratory from performing its statutory functions of ensuring that approved standards are maintained.
The order was unlawful since the board and the agency play complimentary but distinct roles in ensuring that quality production is given priority in the manufacture of all medicinal substances locally, the Judge pointed out.
The Judge said the power to issue licences to manufacturers rested with the board while the agency’s core function was to enter premises and sample any medicinal substances under production.
The board dealt with setting standards while the agency ensured quality production, he said.
