Yaounde: city mayor bans sale of pharmaceutical products in markets
The storage and sale of medication and pharmaceutical products in shopping areas and markets has officially been prohibited in the nation’s political capital, Yaounde.
The decision was made public by the mayor of the city, Luc Messi Atangana on February 21st.
According to the mayor, occupants of the commercial space and shops in markets selling pharmaceutical products have 8 days to comply to this new measure. He adds that offenders will have their contracts terminated and will be expelled officially from the said market space. According to the official, the measure aims at helping the government in the fight against counterfeit or street drugs and the illicit trafficking of pharmaceutical products.
“A national committee to combat the illicit sale of medicines has been set up by the Ministry of Public Health. We cannot let this activity continue in markets that is why we have asked them to free the premises,” explains Luc Messi Atangana.
The Pharmaceutical legislation law in Cameroon makes pharmacies the only official distribution channel for these products. Article 53 of the law of 10 August 1990 on the exercise and organization of the profession of pharmacist says “any offence, display or distribution of medicines is prohibited on public roads, at fairs and markets to any person, even by a holder of the diploma of the pharmacist”.
Despite these laws and the ministry of public health’s scheme to put an end to this activity, the sale of roadside medications still prevails in the city.
In this regard, the mayor says arrangements will be made by his services to prevent these sellers from settling in the streets to continue the activity.
