51 drug shops closed by NDA over non compliance

Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Drug Authority (NDA) office in Southeastern Uganda confirmed on Friday the closure of 51 drug shops in Kayunga and Mukono districts due to non-compliance. During the operation, 84 boxes of assorted medicines valued at 21 million shillings were impounded.

The focus was on Nakifuma sub-county, Mukono municipality, and Kayunga town council, where targeted drug shops had been operating without licenses for nearly three years. Drug shop operators are required to have qualifications in nursing or as pharmacy technicians. However, the affected individuals lacked the necessary academic documents, compromising the quality of healthcare in their communities.

Four operators did not have certified academic documents with the professional nursing council, making it impossible for drug inspectors to verify their credentials.   Zayyid Mwondha, the NDA’s Southeastern Regional Manager, stated that the operation targeted consistently non-compliant drug shop owners despite continuous dialogue aimed at reform.

Mwondha emphasized that the NDA is committed to increasing sensitization efforts to achieve 100% compliance across the country, which will enhance voluntary compliance.   Rahmah Namuddu, a drug shop operator in Kayunga district, expressed that the licensing process is cumbersome, taking nearly three months and requiring costly physical follow-up from her operational area to Jinja city, where the NDA offices are located.

In response, Mwondha noted that district drug inspectors are mandated to follow up on these applications and attributed delays to applicants’ failure to submit requirements on time. on time.

*****

URN