Stakeholders ask authority to control arbitrary drug supply

MWANZA: HEALTH stakeholders have called on the control of arbitrary human drugs’ sales, in a bid to protect the consumers’ health.

The call was made this week during the stakeholders meeting that brought together importers and suppliers of drugs in the country. They said there is need for the authority to remind pharmacists and all other who are involved in providing drugs to adhere to the existing rules and guidelines.

The meeting was organised by Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).

The Mwanza Regional Medical Officer (RMO), Dr Thomas Rutachunzibwa urged the participants to prioritise importation of drugs that meet the country’s standards.

Coordinator for Tanzanian Association of Pham Importers (TAPI), Mr Abbas Mohamed said importation procedures have been always observed; rather the quality might be compromised by arbitrary sales, as it has been experienced especially in upcountry passenger buses.

“We think the Pharmacy Council and Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority should act on this immediately for the betterments of the end users,” he said.

Acting TMDA Director General, Dr Yona Mwalwisi said the authority is doing everything in its capacity to ensure permits are made available within 48 hours.

“We have improved our online systems to ease the applications. The authority also keeps in touch with all stakeholders to ensure all challenges are discussed and resolved,” he noted.

Coming to arbitrary drug sale, Dr Mwalwisi clarified that some of scientific medicines are not under TMDA’s control. He said toothpaste, some cosmetics were under the control of Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)