Pharmaceutical sector in the DRC: fight against pharmaceutical crime and promote access to quality medicines
The pharmaceutical sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces many challenges, including the circulation and sale of drugs of questionable quality, as well as the presence of non-compliant profiles practicing this profession. These problems compromise the health of the Congolese population and require urgent measures to clean up the sector and guarantee the availability of quality medicines.
The National Order of Pharmacists of the DRC is sounding the alarm on these issues and highlighting the importance of fighting pharmaceutical crime. Indeed, the sale of counterfeit or dubious quality medicines represents a real danger for the health of consumers. In addition, the Order deplores the lack of control over the importation of medicines, often in the hands of foreigners, and underlines the need to promote local production.
It is in this context that the association “KISI Asbl” was created in Kinshasa, with the objective of combating pharmaceutical crime in the DRC. This association represents a promising initiative, actively supporting the Order of Pharmacists in its efforts to clean up the sector. Its action aims to raise awareness among the population about the dangers of counterfeit medicines, to promote access to quality medicines and to collaborate with the authorities to strengthen the regulations in force.
To combat pharmaceutical crime in the DRC, it is essential to put in place several mechanisms. First of all, it is essential to strengthen controls at all levels of the supply chain, from importation to distribution. The authorities must intensify actions to combat counterfeiting, by collaborating with international organizations and promoting the exchange of information.
At the same time, it is crucial to invest in training and strengthening the skills of pharmacy professionals in the DRC. This will ensure practices consistent with international standards and promote a culture of quality and safety of medicines. In addition, it is necessary to encourage local production of medicines, by supporting the initiatives of national actors and promoting investment in pharmaceutical infrastructure.
In conclusion, the fight against pharmaceutical crime in the DRC and the promotion of access to quality medicines are major challenges in guaranteeing the health of the population. The creation of the “KISI Asbl” association is a step in the right direction, but there is still much to do to clean up the pharmaceutical sector. With close collaboration between authorities, pharmacy professionals and civil society, it is possible to establish effective control and prevention mechanisms to guarantee the safety of medicines in the DRC.