Mogadishu (PP Information Desk) — Correct storage of drugs ensures that the standard of medicines customers purchase doesn’t fall under security requirements. This can be a core aspect of public well being insurance policies that each nation is predicted to undertake. Since 1991, when the state collapsed in Somalia, an unregulated business market has emerged. Pharmacies and drugs shops have opened in Mogadishu with out correct licences.
A market devoted to promoting medicines emerged within the coronary heart of Bakara Market. This business change has resulted in stiff competitors between neighbourhood pharmacies and drugs shops in Bakara Market.
The drugs market, generally known as Suuqa Daawada, has undergone a number of adjustments since 1993, when the primary drugs retailer opened close to Jidka Labaatanka. The circumstances on this market increase issues about non-compliance with anticipated requirements for drugs storage and distribution.
Customers discover it troublesome to tell apart between an everyday store and a pharmacy in these marketplaces. The house occupied by the medication shops is commonly as small as one sq. metre. Medicines on sale are often stacked like items in a common retailer, with no consideration paid to the temperature and cooling requirements beneficial by pharmaceutical producers.
In a few of these drugs shops, veterinary medicines and animal medication are additionally bought. This follow seems to be lowering, as some shops now concentrate on promoting solely veterinary medicines.
The Ministry of Well being of the Federal Authorities of Somalia doesn’t ship inspectors to pharmacies to make sure adherence to security requirements for drugs.
Proprietors of pharmacies and drugs shops interviewed by Puntland Submit claimed that the steep worth of electrical energy for freezers or fridges prevents them from implementing correct drugs storage procedures. “The electrical energy invoice for a freezer or fridge in my pharmacy may adversely have an effect on my enterprise. I pay tax, lease and wages. The tax system now being enforced in Mogadishu is biased in direction of the federal government’s purpose of maximising its income. It demotivates companies,” mentioned the proprietor of a number of pharmacies in Mogadishu.
Medical consultants are involved concerning the lax authorities rules, in addition to drugs shops and pharmacy homeowners who seem detached to the general public well being dangers posed by improper drugs storage in Mogadishu.
© Puntland Submit, 2025
