DRC: Closure of pharmacies that do not comply with current regulations
Starting from June 1st, 2024, all unauthorized pharmacies not complying with the provisions of the ministerial decree regarding the conditions for granting permissions for the opening and operation of pharmaceutical establishments will simply be closed in DRC.
This resolution comes from the Congolese Pharmaceutical Regulation Authority (ACOREP) with the support of the National Order of Pharmacists (CNOP).
«In the interest of the Congolese population, we urge all those who have opened pharmacies to comply with the legal requirements, as requested by ACOREP in its communication to all pharmacy owners. This measure is very important for the population to benefit from quality medicines. We cannot speak of the quality of medicines without compliance with the pharmaceutical regulations in force. Only compliance with pharmaceutical regulations can guarantee the quality of the medicines we consume», stated Glorry Panzu, president of CNOP, in a letter to pharmacists.
He added, «It is worth noting that the Order of Pharmacists supports the Congolese government in establishing universal health coverage. However, without pharmacies operating in accordance with the pharmaceutical regulations in force, universal health coverage will remain a utopia. To date, we do not have a structured pharmaceutical sector in the DRC due to the absence of authorized pharmacies».
Furthermore, the National Order of Pharmacists encourages the government to develop a strong local capacity for the production of medicines, which will then be dispensed in authorized pharmacies in accordance with the regulations in force.
It is important to note that the Congolese Pharmaceutical Regulation Authority (ACOREP), in a note dated May 22nd, announced the imminent deployment of a team in the field to issue warnings to all pharmaceutical establishments operating illegally.
Neil Camara
