GP Health looks to SAHPRA to establish task team tackling illegal sale of medicine at spaza shops
The move comes as the province grapples with a food contamination crisis, which has claimed the lives of 12 children and left hundreds hospitalised last month alone.
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JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Health has sought support from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to establish a task team to tackle the illegal sale of medicine at spaza shops and other unlicensed venues.
The move comes as the province grapples with a food contamination crisis, which has claimed the lives of 12 children and left hundreds hospitalised last month alone.
Earlier this week, inspections conducted at local shops revealed that several spaza shops were selling medicine - that by law - should only be dispensed by licensed pharmacies or health professionals.
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The department says these practices heighten health risks as products may be counterfeit, expired or improperly stored.
It adds that the new investigation will also target wholesalers who may be illegally supplying medicines to unauthorised retailers.
While a formal agreement with SAHPRA is still pending, the department reiterated its commitment to ending the illicit trade to safeguard consumer health.