By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown – The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL), under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, has publicly responded to a viral social media video by former Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, titled “Hon…… Speaks Truth to Power.” The video has sparked significant public interest and discourse regarding the regulation of medicines in the country.
In its statement, the PBSL reaffirmed its vital role as a statutory authority tasked with ensuring that all medicines and health products imported, distributed, and sold in Sierra Leone adhere to stringent standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
The Board emphasized that tackling the issue of illicit substances, including Kush, requires a collaborative approach. The PBSL works alongside various entities, including the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), the Presidential Task Force on Kush, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to curb the spread of unregistered and illegal substances.
Addressing claims made in the video, the PBSL clarified that there is no scientific or regulatory evidence linking Kush to prescription medications available in registered pharmacies. Furthermore, the Board reiterated its regulatory oversight of Tramadol, stating that no oral formulation exceeding 120 mg of active ingredient is permitted for importation, ensuring that all registered formulations remain within safe therapeutic limits.
In light of rising concerns regarding substance misuse, the PBSL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, will undertake a comprehensive review of national pain management protocols. This review will involve key stakeholders, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Sierra Leone (PSSL), the Sierra Leone Pharmaceutical Business Association (SLPBA), the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Council (SLMDC), and the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA).
The aim is to identify safer, evidence-based alternatives for pain management, with any policy changes to be informed by clinical and regulatory evidence.
In conclusion, the PBSL reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medicine regulation and working with national partners to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all citizens in Sierra Leone.
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