The national drug authority (NDA) has closed unlicensed pharmacies and arrested 15 suspects during an operation conducted in 11 districts of the greater Masaka region.
In a press release seen by this website, the operation targeted 20 unlicensed pharmacies (19 human and 1 veterinary) that were earlier warned and issued with closure notice following the resignation of their respective supervising pharmacies.
“Of the targeted unlicensed pharmacies, five (4 human and 1 veterinary) have acquired pharmacists and applied for licences to operate, while 15 pharmacies including 05 without supervising pharmacies have been closed by NDA and 287 boxes of assorted drugs estimated at UGX 114,800,000 were impounded”. Reads part of the press release.
Speaking to Abiaz Rwamwiri, the Public Relations Manager National Drug Authority, the operation was in line with the authority’s routine post-market surveillance activities intended to protect the human and animal population from drugs and healthcare products that are substandard, counterfeit, and unauthorized, and to curb unlicensed drug outlets and unqualified persons handling drugs.
Rwamwiri confirmed that the operation was conducted in districts of Kalangala, Kalungu, Kyotera, Lwengo, Rakai, Sembabule, Bukomansimbi, Masaka, Butambala, Gomba, and Mpigi where15 suspects were arrested and detained at their respective area police stations.
“Fifteen suspects were arrested and detained in Masaka, Kalangala, Lukaya, Lwengo, Gombe, and Kakuto for operating illegal pharmacies. The suspects will be charged with carrying out pharmacy business without a license {14 (3)} and unlawful possession of classified drugs {27(2)} of NDP/A Cap 206”. Says Rwamwiri.
He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any drug outlet that does not comply with operating standards.
He called upon all operators whose drugs have been impounded to report to NDA’s Central region offices Nakawa to address their compliances issues.
“You need to report any drug outlet that does not comply with operating standards on our toll-free line 080010199 or WhatsApp line 0740 002 070” Rwamwiri emphasized
NDA extends its appreciation to the public, local authorities, the Uganda police force, and the media, for their tremendous support during the completed enforcement operation adds Rwamwiri.
