PSK members during a press brief in Kiambu yesterday.
By Felix Njenga
Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) have called on members of Parliament to reject the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which seeks to exempt cathinone and cathine in miraa from being classified as psychotropic substances.
In a Press statement released by PSK Tana Athi branch yesterday and read by Dr Tabitha Kimani and James Githinji, the PSK members cautioned that deregulating cathinone and cathine might lead to an influx of both natural and synthetic derivatives, complicating enforcement and public health efforts.
Cathinone and cathine are substances found in the miraa crop which act as stimulants.
“We wish to highlight that removing these substances from the list of controlled substances could lead to increased abuse and health related issues, potentially necessitating more government spending on public health initiatives,” the statement read
The bill which is sponsored by Meru Senetor Kathuri Murungi, seeks to boost the miraa industry by deregulating its psychoactive components, it faces significant opposition due to health concerns and potential conflicts with international law.
The PSK members said that the rationale behind the amendment is to enhance the economic prospects of the miraa industry. The amendment argues that the law adjustment will enhance the economic prospects of the miraa industry, a significant source of livelihood for many Kenyans.
“The proposed amendments contradict both the Kenyan constitution and international conventions in which Kenya is a party. We emphasize the health risks associated with cathinone and cathine , which are internationally recognized as psychotropic substances that can negatively affect mental health,” they said.
They pointed out that the right to health as stated in Article 43(1) should take precedence over economic interest
“We would like to caution that deregulating the substances might lead to an influx of both natural and synthetic derivatives which will complicate enforcement and public health efforts,” they said.
They asserted that international market access for miraa would require addressing these issues at UN level rather than through unilateral legislative changes.
“While the bill seeks to boost the miraa industry by deregulating its psychoactive components, it faces significant opposition due to health concerns and potential conflicts with international law,” they said
The members also on the veterinary practice and veterinary medicine bill 2024 they opposed the establishment of the Kenya Veterinary Council expected to provide for the training, registration, licensing, practice and employment of veterinary surgeons saying regulation of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other biologicals should be left under the pharmacies and poisons board.
“If enacted, this bill will result in duplication of roles which are better handled, more cost effectively by the Single Regulatory Authority, KDA. Will likely necessitate the creation of a quality control laboratory parallel to the existing National Drug Quality Control Laboratory(NDQCL) with attendant cost implications.Will overburden Pharmacists by requiring them to be regulated by two separate authorities. Will in the alternative deny Pharmacists the right to practice their profession.The use of the term Veterinary Pharmacy will confuse the public and likely result in the illegal stocking of human medicines in these “Pharmacies”. This Bill should focus on veterinary practice itself and those products of medicated feeds, non medicated feeds, all other feeds to improve animal health and productivity of food,” Said Nemoe Mbogo.
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