Kenya's pharmacists ask for more funding to fight fakes

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya has issued a plea for more government funding to improve access to medicines and prevent counterfeits finding their way into the hands of the public, according to a report from the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.

PSK chief pharmacist Dr. Kipterich Koskey said the healthcare sector needs funding of 5-10 billion shillings ($65m-$130m) a year to avoid medicine shortages which encourage people to buy drugs on the black market. At present essential medicines such as paracetamol are in short supply, PSK members heard at a conference held last weekend.

Kenya’s healthcare spending currently stands at less than half the level needed to support an effective healthcare system, said speakers at the meeting.