**Regulation of pharmacies in Kinshasa: a real public health issue**
For several years, the proliferation of illegal pharmacies in Kinshasa has become a real scourge, endangering the public health of the Congolese population. Faced with this alarming situation, the provincial Ministry of Health in Kinshasa recently took drastic measures to bring order to the pharmaceutical sector in the Congolese capital.
The National Council of the Order of Pharmacists (CNOP) strongly supported this new regulation aimed at supervising the opening of pharmacies and health establishments. The president of the CNOP/DRC, Glorry Panzu, stressed the importance of this initiative and called for close collaboration between provincial and national authorities to ensure compliance with the standards in force.
Indeed, the lack of rigorous control has encouraged the proliferation of illegal pharmacies, managed by incompetent individuals, thus endangering the health of patients. This anarchy has led to a worrying situation with nearly 7,000 illegal pharmacies identified in the Congolese capital. It is high time to put an end to this situation and restore citizens’ confidence in the health sector.
The provincial Minister of Health, Dr. Patrician Gongo, has taken a radical measure by prohibiting mayors from authorizing the opening of new pharmacies and health facilities in Kinshasa. This decision aims to put a stop to the uncontrolled increase in illegal pharmacies and to guarantee the quality of care provided to the population.
It is imperative that the competent authorities work closely together to strengthen the regulation of the pharmaceutical sector and protect the health of citizens. Pharmacy owners must also be made aware of the importance of respecting the standards in force and guaranteeing the quality of the medicines dispensed.
In conclusion, the regulation of pharmacies in Kinshasa is a major public health issue that requires concerted and urgent action. It is time to put an end to the anarchy that reigns in the pharmaceutical sector and to guarantee every citizen access to quality and safe care.