Kinshasa, September 19, 2024 – The Association of Consumers of Pharmaceutical Products of the Democratic Republic of Congo is calling for an update of the regulations governing the trade in pharmaceutical products. Faced with the non-compliance with laws and regulations by professionals in the sector, this request now appears to be a necessity to guarantee the quality and reliability of products available on the Congolese market.
Gracias Longuna Mabika, President of the Association, highlights the crucial importance of updating the regulations to prevent any failure likely to compromise the health and safety of consumers. He emphasizes the risks incurred by citizens due to non-compliance with the standards in force, denouncing the sale of expired products, of dubious quality, or even counterfeit, thus endangering the lives of Congolese people.
In addition to the urgency of regulating the pharmaceutical trade, the ACPPK recommends the establishment of a pharmacovigilance system to ensure constant monitoring of pharmaceutical products placed on the market. This initiative aims to strengthen the transparency and traceability of medicines and to guarantee their effectiveness as well as consumer safety.
Law No. 72-046 of September 14, 1972 governing the practice of pharmacy in the DRC sets the criteria for opening a pharmacy, emphasizing the need to respect strict standards in terms of operation, storage, product renewal and supplier credibility. Gracias Longuna underlines the fundamental difference between selling foodstuffs and practicing the pharmaceutical profession, recalling the urgent need to entrust this mission to qualified professionals.
According to the ACPPK, it is high time to refocus pharmaceutical activity around pharmacists, who are the only ones authorized to guarantee the delivery of medicines that comply with standards. This approach would minimize the risks associated with the marketing of pharmaceutical products and prevent misinterpretations of medical prescriptions, thus ensuring better health care for Congolese citizens.
The Association’s urgent call for reform of the regulation of pharmaceutical trade in the DRC demonstrates the desire to protect consumers, promote public health and strengthen confidence in the pharmaceutical sector. By ensuring strict compliance with existing standards and regulations, it is possible to guarantee access to quality medicines and prevent health risks for the Congolese population.