The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has moved swiftly to distance itself from a shocking video circulating on social media.

In the footage, a pharmacy staff member appears to dispense skin medication to a mother for her child’s eye condition. The individual later reportedly admitted the act was a mistake.

The professional body, which represents pharmacists across Kenya, confirmed that the person in the video is not a professional.

"Following preliminary verification, PSK confirms that the individual featured in the circulating footage is NOT a licensed Pharmacist and is NOT a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya," the organisation stated.

A Dangerous Clinical Error

The incident involved the dispensing of a topical acyclovir formulation for "ocular" or eye use. Ocular medicines are specifically designed for the eyes. They are distinct from dermatological products intended for the skin.

The PSK described the error as a serious clinical concern. They stressed that proper prescription review is essential for patient safety.

The society is now urging the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to investigate the outlet and verify its compliance with licensing rules.

"Such misrepresentation is inaccurate and unfairly associates the Pharmacist with incidents without verification."

A Week of Sector Scandals

This safety scare comes at a difficult time for the profession. Only a day earlier, the PSK had to issue a separate statement regarding a different ethical breach. That case involved the secret filming of a high-profile public figure.

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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was recorded without his consent while purchasing and consuming medicine at a pharmacy. The footage sparked a national debate over patient privacy. The PSK condemned the act as a "grave violation" of healthcare ethics.

The Fight for Professional Standards

The PSK represents pharmacists nationwide and holds them to a strict professional oath. They argue that the public often wrongly uses the title "pharmacist" for anyone working in a chemist's shop.

"Recording any client within a pharmacy setting without consent constitutes a serious breach of privacy and healthcare confidentiality," the society noted during the Gachagua investigation.

They reminded the public that protecting health information is a fundamental obligation.

"Regardless of public profile or status, every Kenyan has the right to confidential healthcare."

Call for Stronger Safeguards

The society is now calling for a "strengthened prescription verification system" across the country. They believe that only properly trained and licensed professionals should handle clinical decisions.

The PSK is currently working to identify the individuals involved in both the medication error and the privacy breach. They hope these incidents will lead to better oversight and restore public trust in Kenyan pharmaceutical care.