PSK: Person Filmed Admitting To Dispensing Wrong Medicine Not A Licensed Pharmacist
PSK said the incident should be treated as a patient safety issue and an opportunity to strengthen oversight and restore public trust in pharmaceutical care.
By Fatuma Rashid
The individual featured in the circulating footage admitting to a dispensing wrong medication is not a licensed Pharmacist and is not a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, the professional body has said.
In a statement issued today, the society said preliminary verification showed the person captured dispensing medicine in the viral clip does not hold its membership.
The video circulating online alleges that a pharmacy staff member dispensed a topical acyclovir formulation for ocular use, raising concerns about patient safety and professional standards.
“Following preliminary verification, PSK confirms that the individual featured in the circulating footage is NOT a licensed Pharmacist and is NOT a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya,” the statement reads.
The society cautioned against referring to every worker in a pharmacy setting as a pharmacist, saying such descriptions are inaccurate and risk unfairly associating professionals with unverified incidents.
“It is important to correct public and media mischaracterisation that refers to every person working in a pharmacy setting as a ‘Pharmacist’,” PSK said.
Under Kenya’s regulatory framework, both pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists may practise within licensed outlets, depending on scope and qualifications, the statement notes.
PSK said any dispensing error involving an incorrect formulation or route of administration is a serious clinical concern that warrants regulatory review.
“Patient safety remains paramount. Any dispensing error involving incorrect formulation or route of administration is a serious clinical concern that warrants regulatory review,” it said.
The society urged the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to investigate the matter, verify compliance of the outlet with licensing requirements and reinforce patient safety standards across premises.
It added that medicines intended for ophthalmic use are distinct from dermatological formulations and require proper prescription review and route verification before dispensing.
PSK said the incident should be treated as a patient safety issue and an opportunity to strengthen oversight and restore public trust in pharmaceutical care.
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