Public health is a crucial subject in every society. However, some realities can be alarming, as evidenced by the observation of Tanganyika’s provincial health minister, Bob Morisho, during a visit to the town of Kalemie. Indeed, the minister expressed his concern about the non-compliance with standards in most pharmacies in the city.
During his visit, Bob Morisho was confronted with deplorable working conditions in these establishments. He noted the presence of dust, the mixing of pharmaceutical products with foodstuffs such as breads and biscuits, and total confusion in the organization of medicines. Additionally, he was shocked to see how some medications were poorly stored, sometimes in direct contact with the roof of pharmacies. Hygienic conditions were also worrying, with the presence of rodents and cockroaches.
The provincial minister emphasizes that poor storage and poor prescription of medications can make them toxic substances for the population. He even collected expired medicines that sellers continued to distribute. Faced with this situation, Bob Morisho calls for strict measures, asking the pharmacist inspector to collaborate with the prosecution to seal non-compliant pharmacies.
This situation highlights the importance of regulation and control in the pharmaceutical field. Ensuring quality and safety standards is essential to protect patient health. Authorities must work closely with pharmacies to ensure compliance with these rules and promote responsible professional practices.
It is also necessary to raise awareness among the population of the importance of obtaining medicines from legally authorized establishments, in order to avoid the risks linked to counterfeiting and the use of expired products. The role of pharmacists as healthcare professionals is paramount in ensuring safe and effective access to medicines.
The situation in Kalemie highlights the need for increased vigilance in the area of public health. The authorities should intensify their efforts to ensure quality standards in all pharmacies, to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.