Senator Demands Probe Into Patient Safety After Pharmacy Error in Eldoret

Hazena Lemaletian has called for an urgent investigation into patient safety standards in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector following a disturbing case of alleged medical negligence in Eldoret.

Rising in the Senate under Standing Order 53(1), the Senator sought a formal statement from the Health Committee regarding an incident reported on February 27, 2026, in which a child is said to have suffered severe complications—including loss of eyesight—after allegedly being given the wrong medication by a pharmacy.

Lemaletian warned that the case exposes critical weaknesses in professional conduct, regulatory enforcement, and ethical compliance within the pharmaceutical industry. She emphasized that such lapses pose a direct threat to public health and safety.

“The gravity of this incident underscores the need for strict adherence to dispensing protocols and stronger oversight mechanisms,” she said.

The Senator has tasked the committee with establishing the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether proper pharmaceutical procedures were followed and what disciplinary measures, if any, have been taken against those responsible.

She also demanded accountability from key regulatory bodies, including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya. Specifically, she is seeking clarification on how these institutions verify practitioners’ qualifications, monitor licensing, and ensure continuous professional development.

In addition, Lemaletian has requested a nationwide compliance report covering licensed pharmacies and chemists, recent inspection findings, and enforcement actions taken against violators.

The Senator further urged the Ministry of Health to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at tightening regulatory oversight and restoring public confidence in pharmaceutical services.

The Senate Health Committee is expected to respond with a detailed report in the coming weeks as pressure mounts for accountability and systemic reforms in the sector.