Ministry of Health warns Kenyans against using specific drugs
The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to Kenyans against self-medicating, particularly during the festive season
The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to Kenyans against self-medicating, particularly during the festive season when many people resort to buying medicines from chemists without proper medical consultation.
Speaking on Monday, December 29, Health PS Mary Muthoni cautioned the public against the common practice of purchasing drugs over the counter without prescriptions, emphasizing the serious health risks associated with self-medication.
PS Muthoni noted that during the Christmas period, many people tend to visit chemists to buy medication at the first sign of illness, whether it’s a cough, fever, or other minor ailments, without seeking a proper medical diagnosis.
“It’s Christmas time, and people are at home, and sometimes you get sick. There’s a culture of going to the chemist to buy medicine, because you’ve started to cough, you’ve started to have a fever,” she said.
The Health PS strongly advised Kenyans to visit hospitals for proper diagnosis rather than self-prescribing medication.
“So we would like to say, if you are sick, go to the hospital. There’s no need to go to the counter to buy medicine, because you’re not a doctor. If you get sick, go to the hospital. Let the doctor prescribe for you the correct and accurate medication for your ailment,” Muthoni emphasized.
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She highlighted the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance, which occurs when people self-prescribe powerful antibiotics and other medications without proper medical guidance.
“Because we do not want to deal with antimicrobial resistance continually. When people go and buy antibiotics, they prescribe themselves medicines that are very powerful,” she warned.
Looking ahead to 2026, PS Muthoni urged Kenyans not to neglect health screenings and encouraged community health promoters to intensify their efforts in conducting community health checks.
“This season is coming up, 2026. Don’t waste your time like you haven’t had a screening. And I encourage community health promoters, this is your season. Make sure to visit every hospital. Make sure you check everyone,” she said.
She urged community health promoters to ensure that anyone showing elevated blood pressure readings should be directed to seek immediate medical attention at health facilities.
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