‘Manage pharmacies well’

The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda has been directed to ensure proper management of pharmacies and drug shops.

Members of Parliament on the Committee on Health noted that some employees in pharmacies prescribe treatment for people, something that is not in their ambit, adding that some have not studied the relevant courses yet they run drug stores.
"We have seen many pharmacies employing young people who are not qualified and are prescribing medicine. Your alignment as pharmacists isn't to prescribe medicine, that is a job for doctors," said Hon. Nicholas Kamara (FDC, Kabale Municipality).

The Chairperson of the Health Committee, Hon. Charles Ayume said many fraudsters have mushroomed especially in the pharmaceutical sector.
"Pharmacies and drug shops in our country are managed by S.2 dropouts who are called 'basawo'. How do you come on board to streamline this industry in line with public health?" Ayume asked.
The legislators raised the concerns in an interaction with Dr Edson Munanura, the Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda who was presenting views on the Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Ayume added that there is an increase in food supplements on the market which he said needs to be monitored.
"We are seeing a number of these food supplements coming up in pharmacies and drug stores. How do we manage them and ensure that Ugandans get a good deal?" he asked.

Obongi County MP, Hon. George Bhoka Didi said that the country has a big disease burden which offers a good opportunity for research and development of medicines.
"We should comment on the role of the Pharmaceutical Society in research which would help the country to develop and test candidate vaccines and pharmaceutical products, which if proven to be workable, can be commercialized," Bhoka Didi said.

He added that this can form the foundation for growing Uganda's pharmaceutical sector and reduce its reliance on medicine imports.
Munanura said that the Bill does not address issues related to failure by patients to complete prescribed medicine doses, as well as prescribing or issuing antibiotics for non-recommended conditions.
"The laws are there in the National Drug Authority Act but they are not explicit on if a drug that isn't required, is prescribed. It is also not catered for in the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act," said Munanura.

He raised concern on selling of products from animals that have been treated without adhering to withdrawal time, as well as use of antibiotics for human health in managing animal infections.
"We have heard of the use of antivirals in fattening animals which is a serious public health concern and it is not addressed in any of the existing laws," Munanura added.

He also said powers in relation to enforcing vaccination should, besides being conferred to public officers, persons in charge of schools and employers, also cover all security personnel and not only the Police.