The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (ANARME) is considering the possibility of authorising the sale of medicines without a doctor’s prescription in supermarkets and other commercial establishments, with the aim of facilitating the population’s access to commonly used drugs. The information was provided by Cassiano João, ANARME’s spokesperson and head of the Central Department for the Evaluation of Health Products, according to the newspaper Noticias.
According to Cassiano João, ANARME is currently drawing up a list of medicines that could be made available in supermarkets and other points of sale. ‘The list will include drugs that do not present significant safety concerns and that can be used by users without the need to consult health professionals,’ said the spokesman.
Among the medicines to be considered are mild painkillers, antipyretics and some vitamin supplements.
Currently, the commercialisation of medicines in Mozambique is limited to community and public sector pharmacies.
However, the legislation in force allows ANARME to establish a list of drugs that can be sold outside these establishments, as long as the quality and safety of the products are guaranteed.
The proposal comes in the context of an inspection campaign aimed at combating the sale of medicines in unauthorised places, including supermarkets and informal establishments, in the city and province of Maputo. Since April, the campaign has resulted in the seizure of medicines valued at 3 million meticals, many of them uncertified or of illegal origin.
‘The trade in medicines in unauthorised places represents a significant risk to public health, including the possibility of selling counterfeit products or products that have not undergone proper scientific evaluation,’ warned Cassiano João.
The spokesman also stressed that any authorisation for the sale of medicines in supermarkets will be subject to strict control, in order to guarantee consumer safety.
ANARME emphasises that any permission to sell medicines without a doctor’s prescription in supermarkets will depend on a strict regulatory process, ensuring the quality of the products and the protection of public health. The list of medicines to be defined will include only those considered safe for use without professional supervision.
‘We believe that this measure can improve access to medicines for the population, without compromising safety. However, it is essential that any change in legislation is accompanied by effective monitoring to prevent abuse and guarantee the integrity of the products available on the market,’ concluded Cassiano João.
