By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
PARROTS UG|HEALTH REPORT:
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed down over 22 drug outlets in Kampala that did not have valid operating licenses.
The closure follow an enforcement operation on drug outlets in Kampala district and metropolitan areas aimed at ensuring compliance and licensing.
During the enforcement, NDA impounded drugs worth Shs 46 million from closed drug outlets.
According to NDA, the operations intended to protect the population from substandard counterfeit, unauthorised drugs, unqualified persons and other unauthorised health care products on the market.
Samuel Kyomukama, the head of enforcement at NDA said the 22 drug outlets closed are; 14 pharmacies, 4 clinics, three-drug shops, and two general merchandise shops.
Seventeen (17) individuals who were found working in the affected outlets were arrested.
Kyomukama said the culprits will be charged with different crimes such as operating a pharmacy without a license and unlawful possession of classified drugs.
The authority advised all the operators whose drug outlets have been closed and whose drugs have been impounded to report to their regional offices in Kampala for guidance.
