Kinshasa, October 13, 2024 (Fatshimetrie) – The situation of unviable pharmacies in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo raises major concerns within the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists (CNOP/DRC). Indeed, the issue of regulating anarchic pharmaceutical establishments in the Congolese capital is at the heart of the debates and actions undertaken by the competent authorities.
In a recent statement, the president of the CNOP/DRC, pharmacist Glorry Panzu, expressed his full support for the action undertaken by the Congolese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (ACOREP) and the provincial health government to regularize the operation of unauthorized pharmacies in Kinshasa. According to him, it is crucial to put an end to the proliferation of illegal pharmacies that endanger the health and safety of citizens.
The situation is particularly alarming in some communes of Kinshasa, such as Kintambo where only four pharmacies out of 120 are authorized, or Bandalungwa which has only one pharmacy in good standing. In addition, the commune of Kinshasa does not have any authorized pharmacies, which reveals the scale of the problem and the need for urgent action.
The closure of non-viable pharmacies is an essential step in allowing ACOREP to fully assume its responsibilities in regulating the Congolese pharmaceutical sector. Indeed, granting opening authorizations to non-compliant pharmaceutical establishments represents a major risk for the population of Kinshasa, who deserve safe and reliable access to health care.
Faced with this critical situation, the provincial Ministry of Health has taken drastic measures by launching a moratorium aimed at strictly monitoring the viability of health and pharmaceutical establishments in Kinshasa. This one-month period will allow us to take stock of the current situation and ensure that only establishments that comply with current standards can continue to operate.
In conclusion, the closure of non-viable pharmacies in Kinshasa is a crucial issue for public health and the safety of citizens. It is imperative that the competent authorities take rapid and effective measures to clean up the pharmaceutical sector and ensure equitable and safe access to health care for all residents of the Congolese capital.