Taxpayers lose Sh1bn in expired medicines as Senators raise alarm

Kenya's taxpayers are facing a potential loss of Sh1 billion due to expired medicines, as the Senate Health Committee has raised concerns over management, inspection, and disposal of pharmaceutical products. The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) revealed that medicines worth approximately Sh1 billion have expired, leading senators to question how such a large stock of essential drugs could go to waste.

During a meeting with Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) chief executive Dr Ahmed Mohamed, the committee demanded answers regarding the serious gaps in management and disposal of pharmaceutical products. Mohamed explained that the Board is seeking additional funding and staff to expand its inspection capacity, as most of its regulatory work happens behind the scenes.

The shortage of inspectors is a concern, as the Board needs to oversee thousands of health facilities with limited personnel. The committee also questioned the role of donated medicines in the growing volume of expired stocks, with Mohamed stating that some of the expired drugs are donations. The senators are demanding to know why donated medicines nearing expiry are being allowed into the country.

Additionally, there are concerns about medicines being manufactured or procured without considering demand, resulting in expired pharmaceuticals in warehouses. The Board was further questioned about the disposal of expired medicines, with Mohamed explaining the process involved in disposing of expired products. However, the senators remain unconvinced and want to know why such a large quantity of medicines has been allowed to expire in the first place.