Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) has announced the approval of new pharmacy service standards, marking a step forward in the country's drug control framework. This development, endorsed by the Standards Institute, was unveiled during a recent forum reviewing the EFDA's six-month plan implementation progress.

Heran Gerba, Director General of the EFDA, emphasized the significance of these standards, acknowledging the collaborative effort required for their successful implementation. She pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Health, regional health inspectors, city administrations, and relevant stakeholders to ensure their swift enactment.

The forum also highlighted other EFDA initiatives, including the development of a roadmap to support local drug manufacturers and efforts to secure accreditation for food testing laboratories. Mr. Kindalem Berekaw, presenting the authority's performance, detailed the undertaken regulatory measures, such as licensing and quality inspections of food and medicine establishments. He further elaborated on actions taken against non-compliant businesses based on inspection findings. These actions included issuing warnings, suspensions, and revocations of licenses or permissions. The forum also reported on the resulting outcomes, including warnings, seals, revocations, and bans imposed on various institutions.

The EFDA reiterated its commitment to ongoing reform and governance improvements, highlighting the over a thousand suggestions received through its toll-free number. Representatives from the Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa Health Bureau, and regional health regulatory bodies were among the attendees at the forum.

Source: Addis Zemen