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By simply sending a text message, you will be able to know if the medical drug you are buying over the counter is a counterfeit or genuine.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has indicated that it will soon release a code where Kenyans can send text messages and receive prompt and specific responses about drugs, including registration status and safety.
This will enable one to make a quick decision on whether to consume the drugs or not.
Currently, Kenyans suspicious about quality of drugs can only reach the board through telephone, email or social media, which often takes considerable time before a response is received.
Board Registrar Kipkerich Koskei said the move is expected to deal a heavy blow to manufacturers of substandard drugs since consumers will now be empowered to confirm the safety of drugs they are purchasing on the spot.
"Through the text message, Kenyans will know vital details about the drugs including registration status and safety. This will go a long way in combating the menace posed by counterfeit drugs," he said.
Dr Koskei made the announcement when Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu visited the board's offices in Nairobi.
Dr Mailu noted that there are many counterfeit drugs in the market.
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