Tanzania : Keep Fake Products Out.
The crackdown on fake and expired drugs that resulted in the seizure of 319 types of bogus...
The crackdown on fake and expired drugs that resulted in the seizure of 319 types of bogus malaria medicines and antibiotics worth Sh9.5 million is a great achievement.
It not only confirms the ability of those charged with ensuring that only safe medicines are sold in the country, but is also a healthy stroke against the deadly merchandise.
Although the value of the seized counterfeit drugs and cosmetics may appear little, of more importance to us is the removal of the risk posed to the health of the gullible users.
Interestingly, Directorate of Criminal Investigation boss Robert Manumba says the operation only covered Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Arusha, Mwanza, and Shinyanga. The problem could be much bigger, especially in the border regions of Kigoma, Sumbawanga, Kagera and Mara.
The head of the section dealing with counterfeits at the Fair Competition Commission, Mr John Mponela, blames it all on flaws in the existing investment laws. As we liberally court foreigners to trade with us, we must ensure that they do not become a source of deadly substances.
This is why we are calling on the authorities at all the entry points, especially the airports and border points, to be more alert?
These racketeers must not be allowed to get near the drugs supply chain for public health facilities such as the Medical Supply Department, as millions of patients will be put at grave risk.http://www.thecitizen.co.tz