Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya strongly Oppose Amendment Bill 2024 on Narcotic and Psychotropic,

Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) Yesterday converged in Tana Athi branch and discussed bills that will affect the pharmacy practice, including narcotic and a psychotropic bill.

PSK also addressed the issue of the veterinary bill and talked about importation of saline water which they observed can be manufactured locally in Kenya and create employment for many and improve the economy. These issues are affecting the sector and, of course, cumulatively affecting society and the community at large.

The Amendment Bill 2024, aims to amend the existing legislation in Kenya to exempt cathinium and cathene, substances which are found in mirror crop, the one known as catha edulis, from being classified as psychotropic substances.

 

“The rationale behind this amendment is to enhance the economic prospects of the miraa industry, which is a significant source of the livelihood of many Kenyans.
The bill argues that the classification of these substances as psychotropic by the National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse,
which is NACADA, negatively impacts the market for Miram, despite the government efforts to boost the sector.
However, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya strongly opposes this amendment
and we argue that it contradicts both the Kenyan constitution and the international conventions to which Kenya is a party.
We emphasize the health risk associated with cathinone and cathin, which are internationally recognized as psychotropic substances, and that can negatively affect mental health.
Additionally, we wish to highlight that removing these substances is from the list of the controlled substances
could lead to increased abuse and health-related issues are potentially necessitating more government spending on the president’s spending on the public interest. So we wish to point out that, as stated in Article 43 of the Kenyan constitution, this should take precedence over any economic interest. We would like to question that the deregulating of cathinone and cathin might lead to an influx of both natural and synthetic derivatives, complicating the enforcement of public health efforts. We hereby also assert that international markets access for Miram would require addressing these issues at the UN level rather than through unilateral legislative changes.” Said, Dr. James Maina Chairman Tana Athi Branch.

PSK, or Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya members, are actively involved in various regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the county governments, and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

Dr. James Maina further Observed that, Miraa and Muguka brings profit to the people from the mount region and being the Pharmacist know well that deregulating and removal of those drugs can lead to a negative health impact to the society.
The Amendment Bill (Vet Bill) on drugs Miraa and Muguka should be removed so that we remain with the current Bill. He also added,
If the Bill goes through, many things will not be normal. Things need to be done scientifically in order to follow the World Health Organisation Standards.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) is a representative organization that was formed to enable Pharmacists to use their professional expertise in the care of patients. Established in 1964, PSK has its roots in the Pharmaceutical Society of East Africa, which was registered in 1950. Since its
formation, PSK has continued to promote a common standard for professional conduct and a code of ethics for its members and advocate for the welfare of pharmacists.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya is mandated to:
1. Create and maintain a standard for professional conduct and a code of ethics.
2. To foster a high standard of control over the quality and distribution of medicines and other pharmaceutical products.
3. To promote the role of pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team to ensure rational drug use. In line with our mandate, please see the attached submissions with regard to the Veterinary Practice and Veterinary Medicines Bill.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya advocates for quality pharmaceutical care and also plays a significant role in shaping pharmaceutical legislation and policies.