National Drug Authority impounds counterfeit drugs worth millions of shillings in Acholi sub region
GULU – The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed 110 drug shops and impounded counterfeit drugs in Acholi sub-region worth Shs 55.2 million.
The three-day operation was held in the region from 13th -16th, September 2021 in the districts of Gulu, Nwoya, Amuru, Lamwo, Omoro and Kitgum.
The inspections were reportedly carried out in 248 drug outlets, 232 drug shops and 15 clinics while a total of 232 medical workers attached to the facilities were equally assessed on qualification.
Dr. David Kaggwa, the Northern Regional Manager of the National Drug Authority (NDA) told the media in Gulu that the inspection was to ensure compliance to the National Drug Policy and Regulation Act.
https://thecooperator.news/nda-closes-21-illegal-veterinary-drug-outlets/
He noted that the operation was a routine post market surveillance, to protect the people from drugs and health care products that are substandard, counterfeit and unauthorized for the market.
Kaggwa did not provide details on the facilities that were closed but revealed that some of the personnel in the facilities were unqualified with poor facilities yet were providing services.
The Regional Enforcement Officer, Samuel Kyomukama also without mentioning names revealed that the proprietors of the facilities that were closed were summoned before the regulatory authority.
Michael Cankara, the Drug Inspector, Gulu District Local Government says the inspection will increase compliance to the guidelines and standard operations procedures of health facilities in the district.
He has however advised the locals to desist from buying drugs from the roadside, shops and other places that are not well defined for supply and sale of the medical products.
However, a Public Health Specialist, Flavia Teddy Okello, also the Director, Flama Medical Centre, a private health facility in Gulu has blamed the counterfeit drugs in the country to the porous borders.
She has appealed to the government to increase control in the border to avoid entry of such drugs into the country just like regular monitoring of the personnel in the private health facilities.
“The life of a patient depends on who is that personnel in the facility you meet which requires regulation but the problem again is the fake products in the markets,” Okello further explained.
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