Brief Summary
The government is cracking down on illegal chemists and the overuse of over-the-counter medications in Kenya. The proliferation of unauthorized pharmacies and the common practice of self-prescription have led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where standard drugs are becoming ineffective. The government is addressing this issue to curb the misuse of medication and combat AMR.
Crackdown on Illegal Chemists and Over-the-Counter Medication
The government is actively cracking down on the rise of illegal chemists that have rapidly emerged. A significant concern is the overuse of over-the-counter medications, which has contributed to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Due to the frequent self-prescription among Kenyans, common drugs are becoming less effective. Many people self-diagnose and purchase medication without proper medical consultation, leading to this resistance. The government has acknowledged this issue and is taking steps to regulate the mushrooming chemists across the country to combat the problem.
