IPNEWS: Dr. Luke Bawo, Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), addressed significant strides made in safeguarding public health in Liberia while acknowledging the challenges that remain.
Addressing MICAT regular press briefing, Dr. Bawo expressed his gratitude to both MICAT for the invitation and to His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai for the opportunity to lead the LMHRA. He introduced the delegation representing the LMHRA, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to improving the nation’s health landscape.
“The maintenance of good health is paramount to nation-building,” Dr. Bawo stated, articulating the broader implications of health on the nation’s quality of life.
He pointed out the psychological burdens faced by families coping with poor health, which can lead to catastrophic financial consequences.
“The health sector is making strides in improving diagnostic services, detecting diseases, and instituting curative and rehabilitative measures. However, protection of the health of the population extends beyond diagnosis and treatment, it involves ensuring that medicines and health products are of the highest quality.”
Dr. Bawo asserted various critical public health issues, referencing alarming international incidents, such as the tragic case of contaminated cough syrup in The Gambia, which resulted in the deaths of about 70 children. He articulated concerns regarding the prevalence of falsified medicines and improper dosages in the marketplace, asking key questions about the quality and safety of medications that citizens rely on daily.
The LMHRA was established by an act of law in 2010, with a clear mandate: to ensure that safe, effective, and quality medicines are available to the Liberian public. Its objectives include protecting the public from harmful products, ensuring fair trade practices, combating illegal trade, and promoting pharmacovigilance through research and timely dissemination of drug information.
In outlining the activities of the past five months, Dr. Bawo highlighted several key initiatives:
The organization has been active in seven counties and is focusing on the waste management of health products.
The LMHRA has undergone staff restructuring to enhance operational efficiency and has made strides in de-escalating tensions within the organization to foster a culture of inclusiveness.
Regulatory frameworks surrounding narcotics and psychotropic substances have been effectively migrated from the Ministry of Health to the LMHRA, reinforcing its authority in this sector.
Construction of a new laboratory is underway, vital for the organization’s capacity to effectively assess and regulate health products.
Dr. Bawo also mentioned significant achievements, including the formation of a reappointed Hearing Board designed to offer impartial reviews of alleged violations in health product regulations.
An assessment has started in Maryland County to establish the LMHRA’s Region 4 office, demonstrating the regulatory authority’s commitment to decentralization and increased coverage.
However, the MD did not shy away from discussing the challenges facing the LMHRA. He highlighted issues such as:
– System clogs due to expired products in circulation that pose risks to public health.
– The rising issue of street peddling of medicines.
– Lack of adherence to donation regulations, leading to inefficiencies within the supply chain.
– The need for Laboratory system strengthening and enhanced technological support to manage regulations effectively.
Despite these hindrance, Dr. Bawo remains optimistic, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, WHO, USAID, and other partners in striving to achieve WHO maturity level 3 and ISO 17025 accreditation for LMHRA’s laboratory.
As the briefing concluded, Dr. Bawo reaffirmed the commitment of the LMHRA to ensuring that Liberians have access to safe, effective, and high-quality medicines, underscoring the regulatory authority’s vital role in public health and safety. By: Christopher S. Bestman
