It is reported that since the manpower of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA)’s law enforcement division has been reduced to one officer, there is a greater chance of substandard drugs such as human immunoglobulin coming to the market in the future.
There should be at least 20 food and drug inspectors attached to its head office. But since many months, only two experienced officers are working in that department of the Drug Regulatory Authority.
It is reported that with the retirement of one of the two, the Chief Food and Drug Inspector, from last Monday, the number of officers has decreased to one.
The only remaining officer is due to retire by next June and the division is in crisis as the authority has not yet taken any steps to recruit new food and drug inspectors or fill the remaining vacancies.
According to the National Drug Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015, food and drug inspectors contribute to ensuring the quality of many products that have a critical impact on public health, including drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.