Increased endeavors being exerted as regards ensuring drug standard: Ministry

The National Laboratory for Drug Standard said that increased endeavors are being exerted as regards ensuring standard for imported drugs and those domestically produced.

Asmara, 9 July 2012 – The National Laboratory for Drug Standard said that increased endeavors are being exerted as regards ensuring standard for imported drugs and those domestically produced.

Mr. Kifle Afwerki, head of the national laboratory, indicated that a number of laboratory tests are carried out to guarantee safe and effective drugs, and that the regulatory role of the institution currently emphasizes the pre-distribution stage of drugs than the post-distribution one. He also indicated that various stakeholders are dedicated in the follow-up of pharmacies so as to avoid the sale of substandard medicines and sales on the part of these outlets.

Mr. Kifle stressed that patients should not buy drugs without the prescription of physicians, and drug shops should pursue this norm.