Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has announced that it will soon be deploying its officers at the country’s major air traffic port of entry, the Robert Mugabe International Airport to conduct field screening of imported medicines.
In a statement, the medicine watchdog said the initiative supports its mandate to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines in Zimbabwe.
“The MCAZ hereby notifies all importers that it will conduct field screening of imported medicines at ports of entry. This initiative supports the MCAZ’s mandate to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines in Zimbabwe. All screening activities will be at the Authority’s expense,” said the MCAZ director general Mr Richard Rukwata.
It said MCAZ officers will be stationed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to sample and screen imported pharmaceutical products using field detection and rapid screening technologies, adding that importers that use other designated ports of entry will be required to bring samples for screening to MCAZ offices as part of their physical examination process.
“These measures are designed to identify substandard and falsified medicines before they enter the national supply chain. Importers and clearing agents must provide access to consignments for on-site sampling and testing. Where necessary, samples may be taken for confirmatory laboratory analysis,” said Mr Rukwata.
