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Medicines watchdog steps up airport screening of imports
2 hrs ago |
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THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has announced plans to deploy officers at the country's main air traffic entry point, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, to conduct field screening of imported medicines.
In a statement, MCAZ said the move is aimed at strengthening its mandate to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines in Zimbabwe.
"The MCAZ hereby notifies all importers that it will conduct field screening of imported medicines at ports of entry. This initiative supports the MCAZ's mandate to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines in Zimbabwe. All screening activities will be at the Authority's expense," said MCAZ director general Richard Rukwata.
According to MCAZ, officers will use field detection and rapid screening technologies to sample and test imported pharmaceutical products on arrival at the airport. Importers using other designated ports of entry will be required to submit samples to MCAZ offices for screening as part of the physical examination process.
"These measures are designed to identify substandard and falsified medicines before they enter the national supply chain. Importers and clearing agents must provide access to consignments for on-site sampling and testing. Where necessary, samples may be taken for confirmatory laboratory analysis," Mr Rukwata added.
The initiative is part of MCAZ's ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and prevent the circulation of unsafe medicines in Zimbabwe.
In a statement, MCAZ said the move is aimed at strengthening its mandate to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines in Zimbabwe.
"The MCAZ hereby notifies all importers that it will conduct field screening of imported medicines at ports of entry. This initiative supports the MCAZ's mandate to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines in Zimbabwe. All screening activities will be at the Authority's expense," said MCAZ director general Richard Rukwata.
According to MCAZ, officers will use field detection and rapid screening technologies to sample and test imported pharmaceutical products on arrival at the airport. Importers using other designated ports of entry will be required to submit samples to MCAZ offices for screening as part of the physical examination process.
"These measures are designed to identify substandard and falsified medicines before they enter the national supply chain. Importers and clearing agents must provide access to consignments for on-site sampling and testing. Where necessary, samples may be taken for confirmatory laboratory analysis," Mr Rukwata added.
The initiative is part of MCAZ's ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and prevent the circulation of unsafe medicines in Zimbabwe.
Source - the Chronicle
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