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Kenyan pharmaceutical industry launches first code of practice

Xinhua, March 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

The pharmaceutical industry in Kenya on Wednesday launched the first code of practice in the country to help raise professionalism in the sector and protect patient safety.

Some 27 members of the Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (KAPI) endorsed the code that outlines the principles and standards that will guide the practice of pharmaceutical organizations in the country.

"The code of practice will help curb challenges that face the industry and increase transparency and accountability in the sector," KAPI's chairman Dr. William Mwatu said during the launch in Nairobi.

He revealed that the code of practice stand to harmonize the working relationship between the industry and patient in bringing the public health benefits in the country.

"Given the interaction within the entire medical fraternity, it is important that pharmaceutical companies act in an ethical and professional manner to be able to earn confidence from the general public," he added.

The code of ethics is to help ensure that health professionals have access to information, that patients have access to the products and that products are prescribed and used in a manner that provides the maximum health care benefit to patients.

Health Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Cleopa Mailu told pharmaceutical industries to avail affordable medicine as most populations are unable to afford the drugs in the market.

"The industries must be a live to the patients is capable of affording to help keep people healthy," Mailu added.

He revealed that the government is currently drafting a bill that is to help look at the quality health care of Kenyan people.

Kenya and other East African Community members are currently looking at medicine price disparities with the aim of harmonizing the costs.

John Wanyama, KAPI's Chair of Compliance Committee observed that the code of practice has opened up all companies for scrutiny and interactions with the people.

The code of ethics is a culmination of several meetings that were aimed at enhancing, regulating and promoting professionalism, transparency and accountability during operations.

The launch makes Kenya the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to launch a code of practice. Enditem