By Mustapha Jarju
The Medicines Control Agency has warned against unauthorised import, sale and promotion of medicines including nutritional supplements and herbal medicines in the country.
The agency said stringent action will be taken against people and entities found culpable in such activities in the country
Markieu Janneh Kaira, Executive Director Medicines Control Agency said in a statement that “The Medicines Control Agency hereby reminds the general public that it is illegal for any person or entity to be engaged in the import, distribution, storage, sale, advertisement and promotion of medicines including nutritional supplements and herbal medicines in The Gambia without its approval.
“Therefore, a person or entity shall not be engaged in the import, distribution, storage, sale, advertisement or promotion of medicines including nutritional supplements and herbal medicines to the general public as a treatment, preventive or cure for a disease, disorder or abnormal physical state unless has been authorized by the Medicines Control Agency.
“The Medicines and Related Products Act 2014 recognizes t ha t medicines must not be treated as ordinary goods of commerce thereby placing specific restrictions on their manufacture, import, distribution, storage, sale and advertisement for the common good.The peddling or sale of medicines at the markets, streets, ferry crossings, weekly markets (“lumos”) and other unauthorized places and/ or by unauthorized persons is illegal and have the potential to negatively impact on public health,” Janneh Kaira added.
“The general public is hereby being advised and warned to desist from patronizing such places and individuals for the interest of their own health. Media houses, individuals and entities who fail to abide by the law shall face the full strength of the law,” Janneh continued.
Janneh Kaira said the Medicines Control Agency therefore solicits the support and cooperation of the public in the control of unauthorized import, distribution, storage, sale, advertisement and promotion of medicines including nutrition supplements and herbal medicines in the country. Together we help to protect the health of the population.
