Tag Archives: MCAZ

“Free Body Scan” dealers face arrest

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPA) and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), will soon arrest all dealers that have been offering illegal “free body scan” services.

The sprouting of the “free body scan” service has seen several agents standing in streets, offering fliers to passers by and even sending messages in WhatsApp groups, offering their service to members of the public.

In a joint statement, HPA and MCAZ revealed that the “magnetic resonance machines are being used by unqualified and unauthorized personnel who then proceed to prescribe and sell medicines.

“In conjunction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the two Authorities will be undertaking investigations and confiscating all such offensive equipment as well as prosecuting the persons operating the said machines illegally.  “At the same time, the medicines will be confiscated (both registered and unregistered) from unlicensed persons and unlicensed premises.”

HPA and MCAZ had “noted with concern the sprouting of unauthorized use of dubious magnetic resonance machines offering a service popularly called “full body scan.”

“It has been noted that these alleged magnetic resonance machines are being used by unqualified and unauthorized personnel who then proceed to prescribe and sell medicines (both conventional and complementary) for chronic conditions to the unsuspecting public. “This poses a serious risk of misdiagnosis and mistreatment to the public.

“These acts are in contravention of several statutes. The Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) Section 126, stipulates that anyone who is not registered on the designated register who: for gain practices a profession or calling, pretends by any means whatsoever to be on the register or uses any name, title, description or symbol indicating or calculated to lead persons to infer that he is a member of a profession or calling of which a designated register is kept, shall be guilty of an offence liable to a fine or imprisonment or both.

“Therefore diagnosis and prescribing should only be conducted by qualified and licensed personnel.

“Selling medicines by unlicensed persons from unlicensed premises contravenes Sections 50 and 52 of the Medicines and Allied Substance Control (General) Regulations, 1991, SI 150 of 1991 as read with Section 106 of the same Regulations. 

“Also, the selling of unregistered medicines is in contravention of Section 29 (1) (a) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act as read with Section 29 (1a) of the same Act,” read the statement.

It was added that, “mandated to safeguard the public, HPA and MCAZ urge the public to seek medical advice and treatment only from registered health professionals and institutions.

“These can be identified by the possession of a valid practicing certificate from the practitioner’s respective Council, a licence issued by HPA for registration of premises, and an MCAZ licence for both person and premises.

“It is an offence for an unlicensed individual to diagnose, treat, and sell medicines to the public,” further read the statement.

 

 

MCAZ, BoMRA strengthen ties

Richard Rukwata, MCAZ Director General (left) and Dr Seima Dijeng, BoMRA Chief Executive Officer, sign the MoU

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA), which will enhance collaborations in the field of medical products regulation, fostering mutual benefit and the sharing of expertise.

Richard Rukwata, MCAZ Director General and  Dr Seima Dijeng, BoMRA Chief Executive Officer, signed the MoU on behalf of both institutions at an event on Wednesday.

The initial MoU was signed on November 23, 2020 and was for three years.

“This renewed partnership underscores the commitment of both regulatory authorities to enhance collaboration in the field of medical products regulation, fostering mutual benefit and the sharing of expertise.

“The primary objective of the MoU is to promote and develop cooperation in medical products regulatory functions within Zimbabwe and Botswana.

“The partnership will enable both authorities to collaborate on a wide range of activities, including the regulation of medical devices, detection of substandard and falsified medicines, and the advancement of biotechnology and vaccine production.

“This collaboration will facilitate the exchange of information, support capacity-building initiatives, and foster mutual understanding of each party’s regulatory standards.

“It also aligns with our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products in our respective countries,” said Rukwata.

He added: “MCAZ and BoMRA are committed to working together to achieve these objectives, which will not only strengthen our regulatory frameworks but also contribute to the protection of public health in the region.”

Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [Chapter 15.03].

MCAZ is responsible for protecting public and animal health by ensuring that accessible medicines and allied substances and medical devices are safe, effective and of good quality through enforcement and adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.

The mandate of MCAZ is to protect public health ensuring that medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective, and of good quality.

Richard Rukwata, MCAZ, Director General (left) and Dr Seima Dijeng, BoMRA, Chief Executive Officer

MCAZ seeks to regulate cosmetics

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has announced plans to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for cosmetic products sold within the country, in a move aimed at safeguarding consumer health and enhancing product quality.

In a statement issued by Richard  Rukwata  Director General, the regulations, known as Medicines and Allied Substances Control (Cosmetics) Regulations seek to address growing concerns over the proliferation of sub-standard, falsified, and potentially harmful cosmetic products in Zimbabwe. “MCAZ has identified several issues requiring stricter oversight, including the use of harmful ingredients, poor product quality, and lack of traceability.

“Under the proposed regulatory framework, MCAZ will establish guidelines for defining, registering, labelling and testing cosmetic products.

“Manufacturers, importers, and distributors will be required to comply with stringent safety and quality standards, submit detailed product information for evaluation, and adhere to proper labelling and marketing practices.

“The Authority has lined up several stakeholder engagement meetings to solicit input from various stakeholders to finalize these draft regulations.

“This collaborative approach aims to ensure the final framework addresses the needs and concerns of both the industry and consumers effectively,” said Rukwata.

He added: “the primary goal is to protect public health and well-being of Zimbabwean consumers in line with the mandate of the Authority and international best practices. By regulating the cosmetics sector, the aim is to restore confidence in the market, promote product innovation, and empower people to make informed choices about the products they use on their skin and bodies.

“The proposed cosmetics regulations are expected to be implemented soon, subject to the necessary legislative and administrative processes.

“MCAZ encourages all stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and consumers, to stay informed and engage with the Authority during this critical process, and members of the public are urged to take precautionary measures in using some of these cosmetics.”

MCAZ recalls Benylin Paediatric Syrup

 

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has recalled Benylin Paediatric 100ml Syrup that could have been illegally imported into the country, following reports that some batches pose fatal effects to children.

The recall follows reports from National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) of Nigeria regarding the recall of Benylin Paediatric 100ml Syrup, batch number 329304, manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, South Africa.

Also, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the manufacturer further identified another batch 329303 that is affected; bringing the affected batches to two; 329303 and 329304.

The two batches are said to be causing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death.

“While the Authority confirms that this product was registered in 2023 for use in Zimbabwe, our import database does not show a record of the importation of this product and more specifically these two batches. “However, there is a concern that through illegal means, the aforementioned batches of  Benylin Paediatric Syrup may find their way into the local market. As a precautionary measure, the Authority is issuing a recall notice of this product,” revealed MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata in a statement issued this Monday.

Rukwata further revealed that following the reports, the “authority will intensify its market surveillance activities through strict premises inspections and public awareness to ensure that these products are not circulated.”

He revealed that “according to NAFDAC, recent laboratory analysis has revealed unacceptably high levels of Diethylene glycol in this formulation.

“Diethylene glycol is a contaminant which is toxic for humans when consumed. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death,” said Rukwata.

He however said it was unlikely that members of the public are in possession of and/or come across this product but if it so happens, he called on them to notify the authority and/or healthcare provider immediately and desist from administering them to children.

“The  cooperation of all stakeholders is essential in ensuring the right of citizens to safe  and good quality medicines is protected.

“The mandate of the MCAZ is to protect public health by ensuring that all medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective, and of good quality and will continue to monitor the situation in line with the WHO guidelines.  

“The Authority also urges members of the public to access medicines from licenced persons and premises for easier monitoring. The Authority and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to eradicate any substandard and falsified health products,” he added.

 

MCAZ-ZRP collabo raids Caledonia

One of the raided shops

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

 

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Drugs and Narcotics Division, on Wednesday raided unlicensed shops dealing in medicines and other pharmaceutical products in Caledonia, Harare.

During the raid at Gazebo area close to Old Tafara,  six unlicensed shops were inspected, leading to the discovery of unregistered medicines, expired drugs, and registered medicines being sold unlawfully.

In a statement, Richard Rukwata, MCAZ Director – General, said all the shops were manned by unlicenced individuals and a result, six suspects were apprehended, including one supplier of the pharmaceutical products.

“Some of the medicines recovered include anti-biotics, anti-seizure drugs (anti-epileptic drugs), anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-diabetes drugs, antidepressants, cough syrups, analgesics, for example paracetamol and aspirin.

MCAZ inspector in one of the raided shops

“Resultantly, all the discovered medicines were confiscated by the police and the suspects are now in the hands of the police and assisting with investigations,” he said.

Rukwata further revealed that along with the ZRP, they remain committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of pharmaceutical products available to the public.

“Such collaborative actions underscore our dedication to upholding regulatory standards and safeguarding public health.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical activities to the authorities. Together, we can combat the distribution of unregistered and expired medicines, promoting a safer environment for all Zimbabweans,” he added.

MCAZ is responsible for protecting public and animal health by ensuring that accessible medicines and allied substances and medical devices are safe, effective and of good quality through enforcement of adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.

It is further added that the mandate of MCAZ is to protect public health ensuring that medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective, and of good quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

450 bottles of illegal cough syrups confiscated at Old Trafford

Some of the confiscated bottles of cough syrups

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has confiscated 450 bottles of illegal cough syrups (BronCleer and Adco-Salterpyn) during a raid at a flat in Harare.
The raid which was conducted on Wednesday at Old Trafford flats located at 13 Edmond Avenue in Belvedere, Harare, followed a tip off.
MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata said the significant seizure is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse as well as the illegal distribution and misuse of pharmaceutical products within the country.
“During the operation, MCAZ Inspectors working with Officers from the CID Drugs and Narcotics, discovered and seized 350 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup and 100 bottles of Adco-Salterpyn syrup.
“The suspect present at the scene is currently cooperating with law enforcement agencies to assist with their investigations into this matter.
“BronCleer and Adco-Salterpyn Syrup are opioid containing cough syrups which are not registered in Zimbabwe. “Opioids are considered Dangerous Drugs and these cough syrups are being abused by opioid drug addicts.
“Its misuse poses serious health risks and can lead to various complications if not used under proper medical supervision,” revealed Rukwata.
Rukwata further said they remain committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only authorized and regulated medicines are available on the market.
“The authority will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illicit trade of such substances.
“MCAZ urges members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the drug and substance abuse and distribution or sale of unregulated pharmaceutical products,” added Rukwata.
MCAZ recently revoked 6 permits for wholesale dealers and cancelled 4 person licences for drug peddling, as the on-going fight against drug and substance abuse is intensified.

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