PPB Rolls Out Advanced Pillscan Technology to Ensure Drug Safety
In a bold move to safeguard the quality of medicines in Kenya, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has introduced a cutting-edge technology dubbed Pillscan, powered by Near Infrared (NIR) technology. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against substandard and falsified medical products, promising to enhance the safety and effectiveness of medicines available to the public.
The Pillscan device, provided by the Mission of Essential Medicines and Supplies, is set to revolutionize the way medical products are monitored. It will be deployed at PPB’s regional offices and key entry points, enabling on-site screening of medicines. This proactive approach is designed to bolster the board’s capacity to identify and eliminate counterfeit drugs before they infiltrate the market.
As part of the implementation phase, PPB staff are undergoing specialized retraining facilitated by software engineers from Global Health Labs USA. The process also includes equipment qualification and the development of a comprehensive library to support the seamless operation of the technology.
“This cutting-edge technology is set to enhance PPB’s quality control systems by detecting substandard and falsified medical products, thereby ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of medicines,” the board said in a statement.
The Pillscan initiative comes at a critical time, with Kenya facing increasing threats from counterfeit and low-quality drugs. Earlier this year, PPB underscored the role of advanced technologies like Pillscan in combating these challenges, ensuring public health is not compromised.
By incorporating such innovative tools into its operations, the PPB is reaffirming its commitment to protecting Kenyans from the dangers of substandard medicines. Pillscan not only signals progress in quality assurance but also strengthens the trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
This landmark development sets the stage for a safer pharmaceutical landscape in Kenya, positioning the PPB as a leader in the region’s fight against counterfeit drugs.
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