Authorities have seized medicines allegedly smuggled across the country’s porous borders by one of the country’s leading medical providers Baines Radiology Group (BIG).
High-ranking sources at BIG said The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has seized drugs smuggled from neighboring South Africa where the company’s owner, Kirtikumar Naik, is based, Standard People reported.
BIG, according to sources, is now facing trial.
Although efforts to obtain an official comment from Phineas Mabane, BIG’s CEO, were unfruitful at the time of printing, MCAZ confirmed the bust, saying the trial was already underway.
“After a thorough investigation, MCAZ can confirm that some unregistered drugs were seized in cooperation with law enforcement agencies,” Davison Cayo, MCAZ’s public relations director, said in an email response.
Cayo said the sale of unregistered medicines is prohibited under Section 27 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act (15:03).
“The sale of unregistered medicines is also contrary to Section 29(1)(a) and Section 29(1A) of the same law,” Cayo said.
“All medicines approved for use in Zimbabwe had to be registered as safe, and their effectiveness will be evaluated.”
He added that the case was referred to the prosecution in accordance with established legal procedures.
He said MCAZ carries out regular enforcement activities through its Licensing and Enforcement Department to rid the country of unregistered drugs.
“An example of this is the recent raid that took place in Caledonia in Harare, where several unlicensed shops were closed and medicines were confiscated,” he added.
“The Authority is working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that medicines available to the Zimbabwean market are safe, effective and of good quality.
“We are also carrying out awareness campaigns to educate our people about the necessity of obtaining registered medicines only from licensed places and persons.”
He said the mandate of MCAZ is to protect the public by ensuring access to safe, effective and quality medicines.
“As you are aware, the Authority takes all reports of illegal activities related to medicinal products very seriously, and the Authority has taken appropriate action in response to the complaint we received.”
BIG was established in 1951 and is engaged in providing medical diagnostic radiology services.
It is the largest provider of radiology and management services in Zimbabwe.
BIG’s current medical investments include Baines Imaging Radiology, 3T MRI Centre, Baines Pathology, Oncocare Zimbabwe, Oncocare Pharmacy, Ambulance Care & Evacuation and BainesNet. standard
