MCAZ to strengthen oversight in line with NDS-2

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has committed to intensify its regulatory oversight of the pharmaceutical sector as part of its contribution to the National Development Strategy-2 (NDS-2), the blueprint guiding the socio-economic transformation of the country from 2021 to 2025. In an interview with New Ziana on Monday, MCAZ public relations and communications manager Davison Kaiyo said their work will be central to ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines available in the country. He said the MCAZ has a mandate is to protect patients and consumers by guaranteeing that all medicines and medical devices circulating in Zimbabwe meet international standards.

“As MCAZ, we align with the NDS-2, particularly the health and well-being outcome. We will contribute to the NDS-2 by strengthening our regulatory oversight to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines in the country, while supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing and improving service delivery in line with national industrialisation and public health priorities,” he said. The commitment comes at a time when the MCAZ has had to respond to growing challenges in the pharmaceutical market.

Late last month, the MCAZ issued a public alert after detecting unauthorized Zoladex 10.8mg injections circulating locally. The discovery raised serious concerns about patient safety and drug quality, prompting a joint blitz with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Mbare to clamp down on illegal medicine vendors. Kaiyo noted that Zimbabwe has already has licensed local manufacturers producing essential medicines and medical devices.

[paywall]

“MCAZ supports local pharmaceutical manufacturing through predictable, transparent, and science-based regulatory processes, aligned with the NDS-2’s emphasis on pharmaceuticals and medical supplies as a priority industrial value chain,” he explained. Kaiyo stressed that the approach is not only about industrial growth but also about protecting citizens. “We want to ensure that Zimbabweans have access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines produced locally.

This reduces reliance on imports, shields the country from global supply chain shocks, and builds resilience in our health system,” he said. – New Ziana*

[/paywall]