Harare (New Ziana) – The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has introduced a framework that will allow pharmacies in the country to import some unregistered medicines.

In a circular on its website, MCAZ director general, Richard Rukwata said the framework is meant to improve access to medicines and provide a competitive playing field, but indicated that MCAZ encourages the sale of registered medicines as its primary goal is to facilitate and encourage the registration of medicines.

To allow for the smooth operation of the framework under Circular 25 of 2023, MCAZ will provide training resources for the licensed community pharmacists, Community Pharmacists Association (CPA) members, hospital and restricted pharmacies to reduce the number of rejected applications, a development that can be costly for the applicants.

The importation of the unregistered medicines will be undertaken under Statutory Instrument 57 of 2008 and comes after the MCAZ noted challenges with access to unregistered medicines by pharmacists following the withdrawal of Circular 4 of 2019.

“The following measures are meant to provide for better access by pharmacists to good quality medicines that are safe and efficacious for the good of the Zimbabwean people,” the MCAZ said.
New Ziana