End fake drugs pandemic

Pharmaceutical business owners have taken a new bold step that might go a long way in saving Kenyans' lives. Licensed pharmacies have resolved to establish a network by branding their outlets across the country to enable Kenyans to easily recognise where to purchase genuine drugs.

The chemists will trade under brand name "Pharmnet" to distinguish themselves from other pharmacies.

For years, there has been a major concern over the safety of the drugs sold in local chemist shops. The truth is the Kenyan market is flooded with counterfeit drugs. More than 30 per cent of medicines in Kenya today are said to be fake and cause needless death and health complications.

We can only hope the new move will to cure the malignant epidemic of counterfeit drugs and help drive unlicensed drug shops out of business.

Of essence, however, the new network should admit all qualified pharmacies without discrimination.