PMRA ASSURES THE PUBLIC ON THE COUNTRY’S MEDICINE STANDARDS

Pharmacy and Medicine Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has underscored the need for researchers to adhere to best research practices for constructive results.

The plea comes days after the media was awash with reports a study done by an Ethiopian university indicates that Malawi has the highest proportion of poor-quality medicines.

Addressing the media at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, PMRA Director General Mphatso Kawaye says the use of poor designs in studies poses a threat to people hence a call.

“We acknowledge the significance of studies various universities and other stakeholders conduct but the approach the researchers used was poor.” Said Kawaye.

The study was also drawn from a similar study done by a Malawian student in Guana in 2015 that established that 88.4 percent of medicine used in Malawi is substandard contrary to four and 10 percent of the Pharmacy and Medicine Regulatory Authority and the World Health Organization respectively.

In reaction to the study, PMRA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through a press briefing highlighted flaws of the study and their efforts in ensuring quality health services in the country where among others questioned the relevance of the results of the study saying they do not reflect the reality on the ground

“For instance, 36 of the results were reported outside the Validity linear range, and the samples were collected from pharmacies and few public hospitals, not giving a clear reflection of reality as many people access health services from public hospitals” Kawaye added.

The authority therefore called for adherence to best research practices among researchers for genuine results to ensure safety.