KPA Issues Statement After Child Given Wrong Medication in Dispensing Error

 The Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) has issued an official statement following a widely circulated social media video alleging a medication dispensing error involving a child.

In a statement dated February 27, 2026, the association confirmed that the incident involved a pharmaceutical professional who dispensed a topical dermatological preparation instead of the intended ophthalmic medication. The error reportedly led to unwanted side effects in the child, though KPA stated that, according to the attending physician, the patient is currently stable and out of danger.

The association acknowledged the seriousness of any medication error, particularly those involving minors, and extended its sympathy to the affected child and family.

“Medication errors, while regrettable, are a recognized challenge within healthcare systems globally,” the statement read. KPA noted that such errors can occur at different stages of the medication use process, including prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, labeling, or administration. It cited factors such as look-alike and sound-alike drug names, packaging similarities, incorrect strength selection, and fatigue in high-volume practice settings as common contributors.

According to the association, the pharmacist involved is a long-serving, duly licensed practitioner in good standing and an active member of KPA. The pharmacy premises where the incident occurred is also licensed and authorized to operate under existing regulatory frameworks. KPA stated that upon recognizing the error, the practitioner promptly acknowledged the mistake and is cooperating fully with professional and regulatory review processes.

The association emphasized that while individual accountability is important, broader systemic pressures in healthcare — including high patient volumes, staffing constraints, extended working hours, and fatigue — must also be addressed to reduce the risk of human error.

KPA announced that it will undertake a comprehensive review of workload patterns, staffing levels, and patient-to-professional ratios in comparable practice settings. The goal, it said, is to engage employers, regulators, and policymakers in strengthening long-term workforce and patient safety measures.

The association further cautioned against public vilification of healthcare professionals when errors occur in the course of duty and do not result in lasting harm, arguing that a culture of safety depends on system improvement, learning, and accountability rather than blame alone.

Reaffirming its commitment to patient welfare, ethical practice, and continuous professional development, KPA called on the public to approach the matter with fairness and compassion as investigations continue.

The incident has renewed public discussion around patient safety standards and regulatory oversight in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector, with healthcare stakeholders expected to weigh in as the review process unfolds.