Minister Lays Embargo on Drug Distribution Circuit in Public Health Facilities

From now on, only distributors of wholesale medicines holding a valid certificate of good distribution practice will be able to supply the pharmacies of public health facilities.

The normal drug supply circuit of public health facilities suffers from non-compliance with procedures. Institutions that are responsible for the wholesale distribution of drugs and medical devices in Cameroon, market their products directly to pharmacists in health facilities that fall within the public sector.

However, they are not allowed to do so. The alarm bell was sounded by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie through a circular signed on June 29, and addressed to the directors of these distribution establishments.

“I havev noticed certain deviations in the normal supply circuit of public health facilities, in particular the direct distribution of your products by you to pharmacists in health facilities in the public sector, ” said the Minister of Public Health in this circular.

According to the him, this practice contributes to fueling the market for the illicit sale of drugs, and disrupts the structuring of this market. The directors of these establishments have therefore been warned by the Minister of Public Health of the penalties to which they expose themselves by continuing to carry out the practice.

On the other hand, Manaouda Malachie has established a list of health facilities, the supply of which falls within the competence of these establishments. These are private non-profit purchasing groups, pharmacies in private health facilities, dispensary pharmacies and where applicable, regional health promotion funds.

It should be noted that the pharmacy and its staff play a role in prevention, coordination and continuity of care. For this reason, pharmaceutical establishments should be subject to strict control of safety standards, including the supply of their products.

This is the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Health. It should be recalled that the illicit trade, fraud, smuggling and counterfeiting of medicines constitute an enormous shortfall for the national economy, with losses estimated at nearly FCFA150 billion per year, according to figures published by the Inter-employer Group of Cameroon (GICAM).

Ingrid KENGNE