São Tomé law banning medicine sales awaits promulgation
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Rádio Somos Todos Primos
The São Tomé government approved a law banning the unauthorised sale of medicines outside pharmacies, but its promulgation remains pending nearly a year after its adoption. Health Minister Celso Matos considers the practice a serious public health issue, according to Rádio Somos Todos Primos.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, a law intended to ban the sale of medicines on the street and in unauthorised places is still awaiting promulgation nearly a year after its adoption by the Council of Ministers. Health Minister Celso Matos says his ministry does not know whether the text is still at the Prime Minister’s Office or has been sent to the presidency, Rádio Somos Todos Primos reports.
Celso Matos believes that the law’s entry into force would allow police authorities to intervene against sellers who market medicines outside pharmacies. The minister, a doctor and former president of the Order of Doctors, considers this practice very serious for public health and warns about products that are poorly stored or presented as capable of treating many diseases, according to Rádio Somos Todos Primos.
The minister also says that street medicine sellers are organised within a recognised association. He described the case of a product whose packaging enabled him to conclude that it was not a medicine and which was presented as capable of treating nearly 20 diseases, Rádio Somos Todos Primos reports.
