National Drug Authority (NDA) has today concluded a oneweek compliance enforcement operation targeting all drug outlets in Rubaga Division. During the operation, a atotal of 144 boxes of assorted drugs estimated at over 150 million Uganda shillings were impounded due to several non-compliance issues.
According to the NDA officials, the operation is in line with NDA’s routine post market surveillance activities, and was a follow-up of the February 2022 enforcement activities that took place in the same region.
NDA’s compliance enforcement activities are aimed at protecting the human and animal population from drugs and health care products that are substandard, counterfeit or unauthorized. The activities also focus on mitigating unlicensed drug outlets as well as condoning off unqualified persons from handling medicines.
In a press statement, Abiaz Rwamwiri , the Public Relations Manager at NDA revealed that a total of 80 outlets were inspected which included; 3 Pharmacies, 49 Human drug shops, 2 vet drug shops and 24 clinics after which 21 clinics and 22 drug shops were closed.
“In the same operation, one drug hawker was also arrested for illegal possession and sale of drugs. Muwonya Herbal Research in Nabulagala and Kennedy’s Herbal Drug Shop in Lugala were found illegally advertising medicine which contravenes section 33 of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act Cap 2006. Their equipment including flash-drives and amplifiers were also impounded,” Said Rwamwiri in a press statement.
Speaking shortly after the operation, Rwamwiri reminded all operators of drug outlets whose drugs had been impounded to visit the NDA regional offices in Nakawa for compliance guidance. He further appealed to the public to always buy drugs from NDA licensed outlets. “Remain vigilant and report any drug outlets that do not comply with standards on our toll-free line 0800 101 999 or WhatsApp line 07 40 002 070,” he added.
The National Drug Policy and Authority Act 1993 (Ch 206) establishes the National Drug Authority and mandates it to control the import, export, placing on the market and prescription of drugs in Uganda. It also contains special provisions relating to classified drugs and outlines the national drug policy. A legal mandate on which NDA carries out such operations.
The operation was conducted with the help of local authorities and the Uganda Police Force.
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