Somalia's Puntland's Health Ministry Cracks Down On Counterfeit Drugs

The Puntland Health Ministry of Somalia has announced its plans to crack down on counterfeit drug producers and distributors. Dr. Sadik Enow, the head of Puntland's Health Ministry, said the ministry will be initiating a new strategy to regulate the region's health sector and to ensure only quality medicine is imported into the region.

Enow stated that he will be creating regulatory teams that will travel the region and test drugs at health centers and hospitals to ensure that counterfeit drugs aren't being sold. The ministry of health also wants to raise awareness about the danger of counterfeit drugs.

Enow says, “We are making frantic efforts to ensure that sufficient quantities of legitimate drugs are sold to the people. Therefore we inform all businessmen and other individuals involved in this business to clear their stores and take away the medicines four months prior to their expiry dates.” He went on to add that any individuals, groups, or pharmaceutical companies that do not follow these regulations will face stiff penalties.

Somalia's pharmaceutical industry has not been regulated since 1991 when the country's Central government collapsed. After the government’s collapse, the country became a prime market for counterfeit goods, including medicine. Indeed, according to Horseed Media, those interested in becoming pharmacists install small kiosks or pharmacies. Many businessmen in the country argue that they have performed an important service for their country, especially during the 1990’s when it was facing a critical medicine shortage.  

The Puntland region's crackdown began last month with the deportation of a Kenyan doctor who possessed 'fraudulent credentials.'