Malawi Achieves Local Medicine Quality Testing Capability
Previously, Malawi sent medicine samples to Kenya for testing, costing over $1 million.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Malawi can now test the quality of antiretroviral therapy drugs and imported medicines locally, Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo announced Wednesday, writes Ireen Kayira.
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) Quality Control Laboratory received ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service, making it an internationally recognized testing facility.
Previously, Malawi sent medicine samples to Kenya for testing, costing over $1 million.
The new laboratory eliminates that expense and provides domestic testing capabilities.
Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the facility eliminates previous testing expenses.
"Before, we sent samples to Kenya, which cost over 1 million dollars," she said. "Now, we can test ARTs ourselves."
Funded by the Malawi Government and Global Fund, the laboratory addresses challenges in Good Laboratory Practices, including space limitations and quality management system deficiencies.
The NMQCL, established under Section 79 of the PMRA Act of 2019, aims to verify the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines manufactured in or imported into Malawi.
PMRA Director General Mphatso Kawaye said the accreditation enhances the organization's credibility and opens doors to international testing opportunities for regional countries and UN organizations.
PMRA Board Chairperson Frider Chimimba emphasized the laboratory's importance.
"This assures that any tests conducted in Malawi, whether on medicines in private or public institutions, meet international quality standards," Chimimba stated.
The laboratory's launch includes a solidarity walk from Chilambula High Way to PMRA Head Offices, followed by an official certificate presentation at Crossroads Hotel.
The development represents a significant advancement in Malawi's ability to ensure medicine quality and combat potentially falsified health products.