Pharmaceutical Society Oppose Deregulating Cathinone and Cathine Substances in New Law
Speaker of the National Assembly Mosses Wetangula. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Harrison Kivisu
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya has strongly opposed the ongoing amendments to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Amendment Bill 2024 currently at the floor of National Assembly.
The society’s Coast region top brass claims amendments seek to amend the existing legislation to exempt cathinone and cathine substances found in the miraa crop (catha edulis) from being classified as psychotropic substance.
According to its chairman Dr Murtaza Mohamed Ali says amendment to the bill is not only contradicting the constitution, but also international conventions to which Kenya is a signatory.
“We wish to state that removing these substances from the controlled substances could lead to increased abuse and health related issues, potentially necessitating more government spending on public health initiatives.”
“We caution that deregulating cathinone and cathine might lead to influx of both natural and synthetic derivatives, complicating enforcement and public health efforts in the country.”
Speaking during a media brief in Mombasa on July 26, 2024, the officials say the amendments will unfortunately open floodgates for infiltration of harmful drugs into pharmacy shops.
“The rationale behind this amendment is to enhance the economic prospects of the miraa. Industry which is a significant source of livelihoods to many Kenyans. The bill urges that the classification of these substances as psychotropic by the National campaign against Drug abuse (NACADA) negatively impacts the market for Miraa, despite the government efforts to boost the sector,” he said.
The regional branch has vowed to move to court and stop the implementation of law should NA pass it.
They asked the lawmakers to shoot it down saying the health risks that will accompany its passage are unpredictable.
“If the law goes through we will consider moving to court to block its implemention, we wish to state that the right to health as stated in article 43(1) of the Constitution should take precedence over economic interests,” said Dr Yakub Ahmed, a member of the pharmaceutical society board.
His colleague, Dr Deepar Maro said that the the substances pose health risks associated with cathinone and Cathine which were internationally recognized as psychotropic substance that could cause mental health to humans.
“We assert that international market access for miraa would require addressing these issues at the UN level, rather than through unilateral legislative changes,” added Dr Maro who doubles as a committee member of the society.
