National Drug Authority (NDA) has impounded 545 boxes of assorted drugs estimated at UGX163,500,000 in a twelve-day enforcement operation in three sub-regions of Acholi, Karamoja, and Lango.
According to NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri, the operation is part of NDA’s routine to guarantee safety and quality medicines by ensuring that it is only licensed outlets, manned by qualified personnel that keeps serving Ugandans.
“Post-market surveillance intended to protect the human and animal population from drugs and health care products that are substandard, counterfeit, unauthorized and, unqualified persons handling drugs among others,” he said.
The enforcement operation covered districts of Abim, Agago, Aleptomg, Amolatar, Amuru, Apac, Dokolo Gulu Kitgum, Kole, Kwania, Lamwo, Lira, Nwoya, Omoro, Otuke, Oyam, and Pader.
During the operation, 763 drug outlets were inspected which included 2 pharmacies, 711 human drug shops, 25 veterinary drug shops, and 25 clinics.
Of the drug, outlets visited only 401 were licensed and the impounded assorted drugs were from 349 unlicensed outlets.
“We impounded drugs labeled ‘government of Uganda, not for Sale’ (Lumarterm, Artemether/Lumefantrine, HIV RDT kits, Determine HIV) from Gen Rwoth Drug Shop in Apaa Amuru District,” said Rwamwiri.
The Authority mouthpiece also added that unregistered Medicines (Kifaro) smuggled from Kenya were also impounded from Ave Maria Drug Shop in Otuke district and that efforts to arrest operators of the drug shops who went on run are ongoing.
“NDA advises all operators whose drug outlets have been closed and whose drugs have been impounded to report to NDA Regional offices in Lira for guidance on compliance requirements to avoid inconvenience,” he said.
