FDA introduces new system to check importation of unregistered drugs

The Foods and Drugs Authority says a new import system is being put in place to compel importers to acquire import permits before bringing products into the country.

The current flexible regime allows companies to bring products into the country while registration is still ongoing. 

This move will minimise the importation of unregistered drugs from entering the Ghanaian market. 
 
Acting CEO of the FDA, Mrs Delese Darko stated this when she appeared before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to answer questions on the Performance Audit Report by the Auditor General. 

Mrs. Darko said with the introduction of single window at the ports by September 1, the FDA will curb the importation of unregistered drugs by 80 percent.
 
She said the FDA will also strengthen its operations at the ports and borders to ensure that sub-standard drugs are not imported into the country.

Mrs. Darko said lack of storage facility to store drugs is a major challenge to the Authority.
 
She was optimistic that by the end of the year the Authority would get a place to keep such products. 

According to her the current practice of keeping detained drugs at the premises its clients is not the best. 
 
This is because there is the high temptation of the drugs being tempered with.

The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and MP for Ketu, North James Klutse Avedzi, said the Performance Audit is to find out if the objects of the organisations are being achieved and how they can be helped. 
 
It should therefore not be confused with Financial Audit.

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