Murang'a: The health department in Murang'a County has raised an alarm over unethical dispensing of Misoprostol drug by private pharmacies for use in procuring abortion.
According to Kenya News Agency, county health authorities say Misoprostol, which is medically used to induce labour for women with prolonged pregnancies, is being misused to aid in termination of unwanted pregnancies by a section of women. Through a public notice, the devolved administration has warned that the malpractice is putting the lives of women and girls at serious risk.
In the notice signed by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Dr. Patrick Mbugua, it is indicated that local health facilities have received numerous reports revealing that some pharmacies have been selling Misoprostol drug without valid medical prescriptions, in direct violation of pharmaceutical laws and professional ethics. 'We have received disturbing reports that certain private pharmacies are dispensing Misoprostol without valid prescriptions or proper medical oversight,' Dr. Mbugua stated.
'This practice is not only unethical but also dangerous. It has led to documented cases of uterine rupture, severe hemorrhage, and near fatalities in our health facilities,' he added. Misoprostol, he observed, is a drug meant for specific medical procedures and obstetric use and is classified as a prescription-only medicine.
Dr. Mbugua noted that its misuse can cause grave complications, including excessive bleeding, infection, and in some instances, death, if administered without professional supervision. 'Our concern is not just regulatory, it's about saving lives,' he emphasized in the notice released over the weekend.
'We have cases where women have suffered life-threatening complications because the drug was dispensed without guidance or follow-up from qualified healthcare providers.' The county government has now put all pharmaceutical outlets on notice, urging them to strictly adhere to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board regulations and to maintain proper documentation for all prescription drugs.
In the new directive, Dr. Mbugua stated that any such incidents will be thoroughly investigated and documented with watertight clinical evidence. This evidence will be handed over to affected clients for legal redress and also forwarded to relevant government and regulatory agencies for disciplinary action against the offending outlets.
'We will not tolerate negligence or profiteering at the expense of human life,' he warned, adding 'The county government will work hand in hand with national regulatory bodies to ensure that disciplinary measures are taken against those found culpable.' Dr. Mbugua further appealed to the public to only purchase medication from licensed pharmacies and to ensure that all drugs, especially sensitive ones like Misoprostol, are issued based on valid medical prescriptions.
'Every resident has a role to play in protecting public health,' he said. 'If you encounter a pharmacy selling drugs without a prescription, report it immediately. Together, we can stop this dangerous trend.' He reaffirmed the County Government's commitment to upholding the highest standards of pharmaceutical practice, protecting patients, and maintaining professional integrity within the health sector.
'We are determined to ensure that Murang'a remains a model county in enforcing ethical healthcare practices,' Dr. Mbugua remarked.