The National Drug Authority (NDA) has impounded 336 boxes of assorted drugs estimated at Shs. 81.2 million.
The drugs were impounded during a 12-day enforcement operation in Kampala Extra Region covering three Districts of Nakaseke, Nakasongola and Luwero.
According to Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA Public Relations Manager, in the operation 503 drug outlets were inspected – 20 pharmacies, 454 drug shops (408 human and 46 veterinary), 2 herbal drug shops and 27 clinics.
Rwamwiri said that out of the 503 outlets visited 281 were licensed, 55 had their licenses in process, and 167 outlets including 6 pharmacies were found with non-compliance issues.
“These were issued closure notices and 336 boxes of assorted drugs estimated at shs.81,250,000 were impounded from them,” he said.
Rwamwiri explained that this is part of NDA’s routine post market surveillance activities 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 advised all operators whose drug outlets have been closed and whose drugs have been impounded to report to NDA Kampala Extra Regional offices in Nakawa, Kampala for guidance on compliance requirements.
The development comes barely a month since the authority impounded drugs worth sh46 million from 22 outlets within Kampala.
The drugs were got during a 12-day enforcement operation after NDA were tipped off that some pharmacies and drug shops were operating without valid licenses.
The operation also targeted merchandise and stationary shops that were found to be in possession of pharmaceutical products.
Rwamwiri told all drug operators that the new licensing season for calendar year 2022 has started.
“We call upon all stakeholders to take note and commence the renewal exercise as soon as possible,” he said.
He appealed to the public to be vigilant and report any drug outlets that do not comply with standards.