The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through strengthened regulation and responsible use of medicines.
In a statement, yesterday, MCAZ Director General, Richard Rukwata, said the authority remains focused on enforcing regulatory standards while promoting awareness among healthcare providers and the public.
“As the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, our mandate is to ensure that all medicines and allied substances in circulation are safe, effective and of good quality.
“We urge all stakeholders to adhere strictly to regulatory requirements and to prioritise patient safety at all times,” he added
He emphasised the importance of responsible medicine use, warning against the dangers of self-medication and the circulation of unregistered products.
“The misuse of medicines and the proliferation of counterfeit or unregistered products pose a serious threat to public health.
We continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures to curb these practices and protect consumers,” Rukwata said.
Rukwata noted that MCAZ is strengthening its systems to improve efficiency and responsiveness in the regulation of pharmaceuticals.
“We are modernising our regulatory processes, enhancing post-market surveillance and working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance across the value chain. This is critical in maintaining confidence in Zimbabwe’s health delivery system,” he said.
He added that collaboration remains central to the authority’s work.
“We are engaging healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies and the public to build a culture of compliance and awareness.
Public education is key in ensuring that citizens understand the risks associated with improper medicine use and the importance of obtaining products from authorised sources,” Rukwata noted.
The MCAZ Director General further highlighted the need for continued vigilance in the face of evolving health challenges.
“As new health threats emerge, our regulatory systems must remain robust and adaptive.
We are committed to ensuring that Zimbabwe is well-prepared to respond to any risks associated with medicines and related products,” he said.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe is responsible for regulating medicines and medical devices to ensure public safety.
In recent years, the authority has intensified efforts to combat counterfeit drugs, strengthen compliance mechanisms and align its regulatory framework with international best practices to protect the health of Zimbabweans.
