Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
ZIMBABWEANS have been warned against buying medication on the streets and from unlicensed dealers as it is harmful to their health and well-being.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is conducting a blitz targeting unlicensed dealers suspected to be selling unauthorised medical drugs and other pharmaceutical products.
The blitz is being conducted in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Drugs and Narcotics Division.
MCAZ Public Relations Officer Mr Davison Kaiyo said, “Yesterday, we went to Caledonia, the Gazebo area where we conducted a raid with the police. Unfortunately, members of the public are being exposed to medicines that are not safe because the way that the medicines were stored when we got to Caledonia was not a conducive environment for medicines to be stored. Remember, every medicine has its specific storage requirements so the medicines that we found there were exposed to the sun, wind, and other unconducive weather conditions which compromises the integrity and effectiveness of the medicines.
“We cannot vouch for these medicines’ safety, effectiveness and quality, so this compromises the health of the individuals. People will be putting their lives at risk.”
The raid uncovered a concerning variety of unregulated and expired drugs, including antibiotics, antihypertensive, antifungals, and cough mixtures.
All the dealers involved were operating without licenses and staffed by unauthorised individuals.
