PS Mary Muthoni Warns Against Self-Medication as Drug Misuse Puts Lives at Risk

By Kimagata Marindany

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has warned Kenyans against the growing practice of self-medication, saying the unchecked use of over-the-counter drugs is endangering lives and worsening the country’s disease burden.

Speaking on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at ACK Gichonjo Church in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Muthoni cautioned that buying and using medicines without professional guidance can lead to serious health complications.

“People should stop prescribing drugs for themselves. Any medicine bought from a chemist must be recommended by a qualified health professional after proper examination and laboratory tests,” she said.

The Principal Secretary noted that drug misuse is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance — a growing global health threat that makes infections harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

“When you misuse medicine today, it may fail to work tomorrow when you are seriously ill. That is how antimicrobial resistance develops,” Muthoni warned.

She also linked self-medication to delayed diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, noting that many patients seek medical attention only after their condition has significantly worsened.

“Self-medication discourages people from going for screening and testing. This is why many cancer cases are discovered when it is already too late,” she said.

Muthoni emphasized that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases, urging Kenyans to prioritise routine medical screening.

“Regular and continuous screening saves lives. Diseases like cancer can be treated successfully if detected early,” she added.

The PS further encouraged Kenyans to enrol in and consistently contribute to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), saying health insurance is critical to accessing timely, quality healthcare without financial strain.

Her remarks come just a week after she raised concern over the misuse and illegal sale of the so-called “blue pill.” On December 22, 2025, Muthoni warned that the drug , medically known as sildenafil , is prescription-only and should not be sold over the counter.

She explained that sildenafil is approved for treating erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension and must be used strictly under medical supervision.

“When taken with other medicines, especially nitrates or certain blood pressure and heart drugs, it can cause dangerous interactions and increase the risk of life-threatening events such as heart attack and stroke,” she cautioned.