By Augustino Peter Upieu
Western Bahr El Ghazal State Minister of Health, Dr. Francis Michael Hassan, issued a ministerial order No. 07/2024 dated 27 August 2024 for Banning the sale of Tramadol Capsules &Tramadol Hydrochloride 100mg/2ml Injection from all Pharmaceutical Companies, Pharmacies, Drug Stores, Medical Private Clinic, Cosmetic Shops, Public Business Places and others.
According to the order that Voice of Hope got a copy of it, very few quantities of these drugs is to be used in Hospitals, such as Wau Teaching Hospital, Military Hospital, St. Daniel Comboni Catholic Hospital, and Mary Help Hospital under Restricted Conditions of the Surgeons.
Based on South Sudan Drug and Food Control Authority, Act 2012, article 58 one(1) of the restricted medicines, no person shall mix, compound, prepare, supply, or dispense any Restricted Medicine unless he/she is a Registered Pharmacist, Medical Practitioner, Dentist or Registered Veterinary Surgeon as defined under the provisions of this act.
According to Drug and Food Control Authority Act 2012, article 72, Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with any provisions of this Act or any regular order made under provisions of this Act shall be guilty of an offense and upon conviction shall be liable to punishment that may include withdrawal of the license, imprisonment, or fine or both as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction authorized to hear the matter.
The State Minister also directed state health director generals and directors of ministry departments, coordinators, chairperson of inspection and license at SMOH, Legal Advisor of SMOH/WBGS, all Senior Officials/SMOH/WTH, director of Ware House (Medical Store Eastern Bank) and all State Security Organs to Take Immediate action to implement this Order from date 27 August 2024.