NDA closes health clinics as drugs worth Shs 150mln are impounded
KAMPALA– The National Drug Authority [NDA] on Friday closed 21 health clinics, 22 drug shops and impounded 144 boxes of drugs worth Shs 150 million in Rubaga, Kampala.
Abiaz Rwamwiri, NDA’s Public Relations Manager said the operation saw over 70 outlets inspected which included; three pharmacies, 49 human drug shops, two veterinary drug shops, and 24 clinics.
“We found 22 drug shops and 21 clinics without documents that allow them to operate, so we closed them. A total of 144 boxes of assorted drugs estimated at over Shs 150 million were impounded and a hawker was also arrested for illegal possession and sale of drugs,” Rwamwiri said.
“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,” he added
He said the operation was in line with NDA’s routine market surveillance activities, aimed at protecting humans and animals from drugs and health care products that are substandard, counterfeit and unauthorised in the market.
Samuel Kyomukama, NDA’s head of enforcement added that the operation targeted unlicenced drug outlets, as well as unqualified persons handling medicines.
“We appeal to the public to always buy drugs from NDA licensed outlets and should also remain vigilant and report to NDA any non-compliant health facilities dealing in selling of drugs,” Kyomukama said.
The NDA also appreciated local authorities, police, the media and the general public for their support during the operation to crack down non-compliant drug shops and clinics in the area.
Kyomukama reminded all operators of drug outlets whose drugs had been impounded to visit the NDA regional offices in Nakawa for compliance guidance.
The National Drug Policy and Authority Act 1993 [CAP 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.
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