By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
NATIONAL
Yesterday National Drug Authority concluded 14 –day compliance enforcement operation targeting drug outlets in six districts of Lwengo, Masaka,Mpigi, Masaka city and Wakiso. Some of the pharmacies that were closed are; Karodama Pharmacy, Kate Jam pharmacy, General top care pharmacy among others.
During the operation, a total of seven pharmacies and twenty one drug shops that were operating without licenses or with unqualified personnel were closed and 109 boxes of assorted medicines worth 30 million Ugandan shillings were impounded.
This operation was in line with NDA’s mandate to protect and promote public health through effective regulation of human and animal drugs and health care products, said Abiaz Rwamwiru the authority PRO. He added that NDA informs the operators of outlets whose drugs were impounded to visit their central region offices found at Akamwesi Mall- Kyebando Kampala to be guided on how to comply in order to receive back their drugs.
NDA also reminded all drug outlet operators that license renewal for the year 2023 started on 1st November, 2022. NDA warns all those who are still operating without licenses or qualified supervising personnel to halt all operations until the licensing requirements are all fulfilled.
NDA also appeals to the public to always buy drugs only from pharmacies and drug shops that are licensed and to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected to be involved in drug crimes.
I appreciate the work NDA does but the problem, they don’t encourage the drugshop operators in licensing like other merchants being time to process for the license. And another problem, when you apply for the license, they don’t help you in time until you get discouraged and give up. Finally they search for you and collect your drugs. My request, let NDA have sympathy on drug shop operators that after graduating they lacked jobs which forced them apply for loans to start up drug shops whereby they are still servicing. Most of them have a trauma right now due to the outstanding loans. I request every concerned officers of NDA to speed up the licensing process so that every body can license his or her facility and do business for a living.