Non-Compliance Is Always Followed To The Dot. – National Drug Authority.
Written by Derrick Asaba on October 19, 2021
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has assured the public that several drug outlets which are closed or issued warning notices, are followed up to the dot.
Speaking to Record FM, NDA Public Relations Manager, Abiaz Rwamwiri noted that the drug regulations culprits are not freed anyhow but rather are subjected to the rule of law.
“Except for a few minor cases, some of the drug outlet owners that are found operating illegally are solemnly dealt with. Some of these have been prosecuted, sentenced and fined,” Rwamwiri noted, adding that the NDA has several cases pending in courts of law.
Rwamwiri further revealed that their operations are intelligence-based. Because of this, he said that they can storm areas at any time even carry out operations in places they have just been from.
He thus, never revealed their next targeted area of Enforcement Operations.
NDA is mandated to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of human and veterinary medicines and other health care products through the regulation and control of their production, importation, distribution and use.
A few days ago, NDA concluded a 12-day enforcement operation conducted in Nakasongola, Luwero and Nakaseke districts through which 167 drug outlets were closed over non-compliance with the drug regulations.
“167 drug outlets including six pharmacies were closed. These had several issues of non-compliance ranging from operating without a license, being manned by unqualified personnel and unsuitable premises,” Rwamwiri said after the operations were concluded.
At the end of the operation, 281 outlets were found to have been licensed, 55 had their licenses in process and 336 boxes of assorted drugs estimated at UGX 81,250,000 were impounded.
Those whose drugs are impounded, Rwamwiri said they should report to the NDA offices for guidance on compliance requirements.
When an operator fulfils the required procedures, their drugs are returned and can resume their operations; however, unauthorized, substandard or expired drugs are destroyed by NDA.
