Enforcement operation improves compliance levels

This week, 25^th –29^nd November 2019 NDA held an enforcement operation in South Eastern region that led to inspection of 538 drug outlets (62 clinics, 42 veterinary drug shops, 15 pharmacies and 419 human drug shops). During the operation 244 drug outlets were closed, 390 boxes of assorted medicine impounded, estimated at Ushs. 133,000,000/=. The operation covered 14 Districts namely; Mukono, Buyende, Kaliro, Luuka, Kamuli, Buikwe, Mayuge, Bugweri, Namutumba, Namayingo, Kayunga, Bugiri, Iganga and Jinja.

This was the seventh operation conducted since this financial year 2019/2020 begun in July 2019.  Regions covered include Central, West Nile, Eastern, Northern, South Western and Western covering 100 districts. Cumulatively all the seven operations bring a total of 4387 drug outlets surveilled, leading to closure of 1526 impounding 2,429 boxes of assorted medicines estimated at Ush. 850,150,000/= and effecting 9 arrests. Of the outlets surveilled include 315 veterinary outlets, 251 pharmacies and 321 clinics (for displaying medicines). [u1]

These operations and post market surveillance are intended to protect the population from substandard, counterfeit, unregistered medicines and quack operators.

NDA appeals to the general public to always seek advice from health workers and buy medicines from licensed drug outlets or pharmacies (both human and veterinary). Do not to buy medicines from hawkers because it is an illegal practice and, NDA cannot guarantee the quality of those medicines.

The public is urged to be vigilant and report any unscrupulous pharmaceutical operator(s)  to NDA Toll free line 0800 101 999.