Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has distanced itself from an online viral video allegedly dispensing a skin medication for an eye condition.
In a statement issued on February 27, 2026, PSK said that it had taken note of the footage in which a topical acyclovir formulation, typically intended for dermatological use, was reportedly dispensed for application in the eyes.
“It is important to correct public and media mischaracterisation that refers to every person working in a pharmacy setting as a ‘Pharmacist.’ Such misrepresentation is inaccurate and unfairly associates the Pharmacist with incidents without verification,” part of the statement read.
According to reports, the viral video showed a distressed parent in the pharmacy confronting the pharmacist, accusing her of selling a drug intended to cure skin illness instead of the prescribed eye drug.
Further reports indicate that the Parmacist had instructed the mother to apply the drug five times a day in the child’s eye since Monday, February 23, 2026.
However, after four days, the child developed eye complications that drove the mother back to the pharmacy.
The Pharmacist argued that during the prescriptions, her mind was preoccupied with skin issues, and that’s when she reviewed the doctor’s note, she did not notice the word ‘eye’.
The mother further explained that what prompted her to go back to the pharmacy, was how her child has been crying in pain when the drug was applied, pushing her to go back to the doctor.
Following the incident, PSK confirmed that the individual shown in the video is not a licensed pharmacist and is not a member of the society.
They further cautioned against labelling all pharmacy staff as pharmacists since it unfairly implicates registered professionals without verification.
PSK urged the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to conduct a comprehensive investigation, and confirm whether the outlet complied with licensing regulations, and tighten oversight measures where gaps are identified.
