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Joshua Muswere, Herald Correspondent
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has seen significant regulatory and legislative achievements recorded, three years into its strategic plan guided by the National Development Strategy 1 and the National Pharmaceutical Strategy.
The achievements include the amendment of the Medicines and Substance Control Act, the Local Production of Medical Devices Regulations and the Cosmetics Regulations which, according to a representative of the Minister of Health and Child Care, an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Raphael Makota, has reached an advanced stage.
“In tandem with regulatory achievements, we have also made significant progress on the legislative front. The principles of key legal reforms are currently being reviewed by Cabinet.
“I hope these principles will soon be adopted by Cabinet as well as being tabled before Parliament. Key among these reforms are the amendments to the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.
“As a ministry, we are fully committed to these reforms and will expedite the process. Cosmetics regulations are also under consideration as we seek to protect our people from falsified and substandard products,” he said.
The regulatory authority head saw the number of licensed pharmacies rise from 1 146 to 1 227 last year and the number of manufacturers reaching 18. A steady growth in registration applications have been noted too, doubling between 2020 to 2023. The veterinary unit recorded a 253 percent increase in applications received from the previous year.
In line with Government’s thrust to recognise traditional medicines as an accepted means of treating and curing illnesses in Zimbabwe, MCAZ wants to incorporate their regulation within the scope of complementary medicines.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to foster and enhance the best practices and ensure the highest standards of pharmaceutical efficiency.
“By accelerating the approval of essential medicines, we ensure timely access to life-saving treatments. Furthermore, MCAZ has strengthened collaboration with other national regulatory authorities by signing memorandums of understanding with regional counterparts such as the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority,” Dr Makota said.
MCAZ said Zimbabwe has a stable and well-functioning regulatory system, one that is in line with the World Health Organisation’s stringent global standards.
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