Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has suspended certificate of registration of 40 registered retail pharmacies in Lusaka for breach of terms and conditions of the certificate of registration under which their licenses was granted.
In a press statement made available to q-news, ZAMRA Public Relations Officer Ludovic Mwape says out of 64 pharmacies that were inspected, 40 where found operating without required qualified pharmacists and where ordered to close.
Mr. Mwape adds that in some instances prescription only medicines were dispensed without prescriptions.
He is however urging pharmacists working and managing pharmacies to be present at all times in order to enhance the levels of compliance in retail outlets.
ZAMRA Public Relations Officer has expressed concern the increase in the absence of pharmacists in most outlets resulting in non qualified personnel dispensing prescription only medicines to members of the public without prescriptions.
He has stressed that the case of antibiotics practice if left unchecked has potential to contribute to the increase in antimicrobial resistance.
Mr. Mwape has further warned all registered retail pharmacies or chemists to adhere to good pharmaceutical practices as the authority will not hesitate to suspend or revoke certificate of registration to all those found wanting.