Enforcement Activities

The MCAZ is concerned about the illicit importation, and illegal sale of medicines on the market, including medicines being sold on the street. The Authority regularly carries out blitzes in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and works with the ZRP and National Prosecuting Authority in prosecuting perpetrators. The Authority carries out capacity building exercises which involve the training of other law enforcement agencies on a regular basis. The Authority also has a dedicated enforcement team which conducts inspections around the country. To date numerous arrests have been made of both licensed and unlicensed persons dealing in unregistered medicines and selling medicines from unapproved premises. Stakeholders are advised and encouraged to acquire medicines from licensed and approved premises.

Supervision inspections

Random checks are carried out to ensure that licensed premises are under the continuous personal supervision of licensed persons in line with legislative requirements. Supervision inspections are conducted randomly during the premises operating times. In the event the premises are found without the continuous personal supervision of a licensed supervisor, the premises shall be instructed to close by the inspectors. The premises will be authorized to open after confirmation of supervision and payment of re-inspection fees.

Hiring of locum Pharmacists- Click Here

Investigative inspections

Investigations may be carried out as a result of non-compliances identified in the inspection process or using intelligence gathered by MCAZ, other agencies or volunteered by members of the public. Investigation activities are frequently conducted in conjunction with other agencies. The MCAZ has carried out investigations with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) -CID Drugs squad. Once an investigation is concluded a report is completed and a copy may be furnished to the party (pharmacist/pharmacy owner) under investigation. The pharmacist/pharmacy owner is invited to submit their comments on the findings. The report and submissions (if provided) are considered by the Licensing and Enforcement Committee. Matters may be referred to ZRP for further action.

Routine Inspections

Our inspectorate endeavors to carry out comprehensive inspections of every pharmacy at least once every two years. The frequency of routine inspections is ideally the same although there may be instances when a pharmacy may be inspected once every year based on risk. The target may be difficult to reach because the number of premises that are inspected are on the increase. The MCAZ also inspects pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, industrial clinics, medical practitioners (both Veterinary and Human), veterinary medicine general dealers and public health institutions.

The concerns of the Authority regarding inspection findings:Click Here

GMP Inspections

The LED is responsible for approval and assessment of new, licensed and approved manufacturing facilities for compliance   with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The requirements are outlined in the GMP guideline: Link to GMP Inspections