138 drug outlets closed in Busoga region
At least 138 drug outlets were closed by the National Drug Authority enforcement following an operation in South Eastern Region that covered the entire Busoga sub region.
The operation, according the National Drug Authority, saved an estimated population of 50,000 from quacks or unqualified health personnel operating unlicensed drug shops.
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Five day operation commenced on Monday, 10th June ended today, Friday 14th June, 2019 was held in 14 districts.
The 14 districts included: Bugiri, Buikwe, Bugweri, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kaliro, Kamuli, Kayunga, Luuka, Mayuge, Mukono, Namayingo and Namutumba.
More than 200 drug outlets were inspected and 270 boxes of assorted medicine, estimated at Shs 94,450,000 was impounded from 138 drug shops. (Statistics could be adjusted after today's report)
Samuel Kyomukama, the Head of Enforcement at the National Drug Authority said that the risk averted by closing the 138 outlets reduces the disease burden of unsuspecting population from being conned and promotes a quality healthy service delivery resulting in better treatment of illnesses and prevention of diseases as the population access medicines from only licensed drug outlets manned by qualified health personnel.
Four arrests were made during the operation and according to the National Drug Authority all are in custody pending prosecution.
Samuel Kyomukama also said that some of these unlicensed outlets on landing sites had evaded them for quite some time but they were finally apprehended.
"Medicines in hands of unqualified persons and stored in unsuitable conditions expose such population in the region and the country to wrong prescription and several health related risks and complications which could even result into death," Kyomukama told journalists.
The operation brings it to a total of 1206 drug outlets visited since the beginning of the NDA operations in March 2019, including other regions, leading to closure of 592 outlets, impounding 1034 boxes of assorted medicines which are estimated at Shs 361.9 million. 38 arrests have also been made in due process.
In Busoga region, 13 vet drug shops and 10 pharmacies were visited. This brings it to a total of veterinary outlets inspected to 71. 133 boxes of assorted medicines that are estimated at Shs 72.2 million.
He appealed to the public to be vigilant and supportive to their work. They urged them to report any anomalies on a toll free line; 0800101999
