E-drug: Pharmacy profession in Kenya (cont)
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Dear e-druggers
This is in response to Prof. Kibwage's message on the status of
pharmacy profession in Kenya. The profession in this country is not in
a crisis.
There are two levels of pharmacy training in Kenya: the B. Pharm.
Graduate and the Diploma in pharmacy graduate. The latter are
designated as Pharmaceutical Technologists and are actually the cadre
that has been offering pharmaceutical services in this country since
1970. Today they offer over 97% of these services in the public sector.
The professor did not appear to have his facts right when he claims
that pharmaceutical technologist�s train for one year and are supposed
to work under the supervision of a pharmacist. The truth of the matter
is that they undergo an intensive three- year training and follow the
GPA system of grading. The curriculum was adopted from the Jamaican
Diploma program and has undergone numerous reviews and improvements
to suit the local scene. The curriculum is competency based and
covers the broad spectrum of the essentials of the early part of the
pharmaceutical degree examination requirements. The graduates, who
are members of the professional body, KENYA PHARMACEUTICAL
ASSOCIATION, are not referred to as pharmacists but they have never
been required to work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.
They have not refused to be licensed as pharmaceutical technologists
nor have they demanded to be referred to as pharmacists. For a
license to practice, a pharmaceutical technologist requires to
satisfy the Pharmacy and Poisons Board that he/she has had a hospital
practice experience of not less than ten years.
This association is concerned about the misinformation. The professor
may belong to the school of thought, which insists that pharmacists
are equivalent to Medical Doctors and pharmacists in Kenya are
referred to as Doctors even before attaining a Doctoral degree. How
is the situation elsewhere in the world?
Our country entirely depends on this cadre for pharmaceutical service
delivery. Is it true that a Diploma in pharmacy holder who undertakes
intensive post college continuous education programs will put public
health at risk? We do not think so but would like to get the opinion of
other experts in the profession.
Thank you.
Benjamin Mbugua
Chairman � Kenya Pharmaceutical Association
Nairobi.
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