23 illegal veterinary drug shops closed in northern Uganda
Mr Ssekyana added that the operation led to inspection of 551 drug outlets of which 164 were issued with closure notices and closed. NDA PHOTO
What you need to know:
NDA licensing guidelines of 2019 state that, drugs shops are supposed to be run by professionals with approved medical pharmaceutical or veterinary qualifications and must be registered with the professional council.
National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed at least 23 veterinary drug shops in northern Uganda in a period of one week.
Mr Fredrick Ssekyana, the Public Relations Officer NDA, said that the veterinary drug shops were being operated by unqualified personnel which exposes animals to wrong prescription, drug resistance and other health related complications including death.
“It is important to note that in the entire operation on the licensed 92 veterinary drug shops in the region, 23 of them were closed. The enforcement operation is meant to improve compliance levels in licensing requirements of drug outlets in the region,” Mr Ssekyana said.
The operation was conducted between 14th to 18th October in the districts of Gulu, Nwoya, Amuru, Omoro, Kitgum, Lamwo, Otuke, Apac, Kole, Dokolo and Agago among others.
Mr Ssekyana added that the operation led to inspection of 551 drug outlets of which 164 were issued with closure notices and closed.
“Medicines impounded in the entire operation comprised of 217 boxes of assorted medicine estimated at Shs75,950,000. This is the fourth operation in this financial year following others held in central, west Nile and eastern Uganda,” he said.
During the operation, a one Paul Okello of St Paul Drug Shop in Kinene trading center, Nwoya District was arrested for selling government drugs estimated to be worth Shs5,000,000.
“Drugs impounded at Okello’s drug shop included 57 malaria rapid test kits that could serve 5,700 patients. Drug pilferage compromises the quality of health services delivered to patients, hence discrediting the government,” Mr Ssekyana said.
NDA licensing guidelines of 2019 state that, drugs shops are supposed to be run by professionals with approved medical pharmaceutical or veterinary qualifications and must be registered with the professional council.
