Malawi Drugstore Owners Petition Regulatory Authority Over "Bias" Claims
The Association of Drugstore Owners in Malawi successfully delivered their petition this afternoon at the Lilongwe District Commissioner's office, writes Benson Kamonjola.
LILONGWE, Malawi- The Association of Drugstore Owners in Malawi successfully delivered their petition on Friday at the Lilongwe District Commissioner's office, writes Benson Kamonjola.
The association organised the demonstration to express their dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Pharmacy and Medicine Regulatory Authority (PMRA), alleging bias in their work.
The association accuses PMRA of prohibiting them from selling drugs such as Bactrim, which they claim are sold by drugstores owned by individuals of Asian origin.
They also express disagreement with PMRA's decision to disallow the hiring of nurses in their drugstores, insisting on the costly recruitment of pharmacists instead.
In their petition, the association states, "They regulate us to hire a pharmacist who is well qualified but restrict us from selling first-line antibiotics. We find this contradictory."
Shalom Phiri, a member of the association, voiced her discontent with PMRA's inspection procedures, alleging harassment during the process.
She stated, "When the inspection team from PMRA arrives at the shop, they intimidate us, and their inspection is conducted in an embarrassing manner, which we protest against."
Following the delivery of their petition, Prescott Choso, the chairperson of the association, expressed hope that PMRA would address the issues raised.
He said, "We believe PMRA will respond to our petition, but if they fail to do so, the association will convene and determine our next course of action."
Lilongwe District Commissioner, Dr. Lawford Palani, assured the association that he would forward their petition to the relevant authorities.
He commended the association for conducting a peaceful demonstration.
Malawi currently has over 13,000 individuals engaged in the drugstore business.
The outcome of the association's petition remains to be seen as they await a response from PMRA regarding their concerns.