Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority Launches New Strategic Plan
The launch of this strategic plan marks a significant step towards ensuring the effective regulation and safety of medicines and medical products in Malawi.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has launched its new five-year strategic plan (2023/24-2027/28) today at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, writes Judgement Katika.
This unveiling marks a pivotal moment for PMRA as it adapts to the changing landscape of the pharmaceutical industry and aligns with the provisions of the PMRA Act, 2019.
The development of this strategic blueprint was a result of a comprehensive review of PMRA's retiring 2018–2023 Strategic Plan.
The new plan aims to equip PMRA with innovative approaches and best practises to enhance its regulatory capabilities and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Key objectives of the strategic plan include strengthening systems for efficient regulatory service delivery, embracing client-centric approaches, incorporating technology, establishing governance structures, and enhancing resource mobilisation and financial management.
PMRA's new strategic priorities for the next five years are as follows:
To bolster regulatory effectiveness.
To enhance pharmaceutical industry compliance.
To ensure access to safe, effective, and quality medicines.
To develop PMRA's institutional capacity and capability.
The implementation of this strategic plan (2023/24-2027/28) is projected to cost USD $31,045,250 over five years.
A significant portion of this budget will be allocated to the construction of a new laboratory, expanding PMRA's capacity for regulatory functions such as testing of allied and microbiology and addressing critical gaps within the authority.
Frider Chimimba, Chairperson of PMRA’s Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm for the strategic plan, highlighting its significance in enhancing the medicine regulatory system in the country.
Chimimba stated, "The Strategic Plan is part of the major strides the Authority is undertaking in its quest to further enhance the medicine regulatory system in the country."
PMRA acknowledged the invaluable support provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Promoting the Quality of Medicines Plus (PQM+) program in the development of the strategic plan.
In conclusion, PMRA called upon its partners and stakeholders to continue their support to ensure the successful implementation of the strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in advancing medicine regulatory standards in Malawi.