Kazungula, Kasane, the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) in a coordinated effort to protect public health and safety, is on a drive to uncover a significant network of falsified health products circulating in the market. The operation, which is scheduled for 3 days (10^th-13^th December 2024) is being carried out in collaboration with BURS, Port Health, Botswana Police, and the Local Council resulting in the identification and removal of counterfeit medicines, supplements, and medical devices that could pose serious risks to consumers.

This comprehensive operation focuses on detecting and seizing products that are fraudulently labelled and manufactured without adherence to health and safety standards. The falsified products are found to contain dangerous or ineffective ingredients, these are distributed through various retail channels, including smuggling and unregulated businesses.

“We are committed to ensuring that the public has access to safe, effective, and high-quality health products,” said Mbaakanyi Macheke, Communications Specialist. This operation is to ensure that all stakeholders manufacturers, distributors, and consumers adhere to the guidelines set by the Authority regarding the sale of counterfeit or substandard products. Our priority is the health and safety of every individual in this country, said Macheke.

Removing these dangerous products from the market, the authority has taken swift action to trace the origins of the counterfeit goods and identify those responsible for their production and distribution. Enforcement measures, including penalties and potential legal actions, are being pursued against the perpetrators.

BoMRA is urging consumers to be vigilant when purchasing health-related products, especially those from unverified sources. Common signs of counterfeit products include packaging that appears unusual or tampered with, missing or unclear labelling, and products that are offered at unusually low prices. We encourage consumers to purchase health products only from trusted sources, such as licensed pharmacies, authorized retailers, said Macheke.

As part of ongoing efforts, the authority is also planning to intensify market surveillance, improve public awareness campaigns, and collaborate with other law agencies to prevent the entry of counterfeit products into the market.

BoMRA remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard public health, and it will continue to conduct robust operations to combat the growing threat of falsified health products.