By Derick Tsimba

Medical Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is resolving ways to curb the illegal sale of medical drugs on streets by vendors, The Harare Post can report.

Speaking at the MCAZ Annual General Meeting in Harare, MCAZ Director General Ms Gugu Mahlangu said legislation must be tightened to stiffen penalties similar to custodian sentences to curb illegal medicine vendors. She also said illegal vendors should not be left to pay fines and go.

 “My main concern is that these people get arrested but sign off admission of guilt forms, pay a fine of ZW$20- $100 and go,” said Mahlangu.

Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo, speaking at the MCAZ Annual General Meeting said the MCAZ should tighten its control on medicines. MCAZ should tighten its regulation mechanism to clear off illegal medicine vendors from the streets, he said.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) on its tweeter handle said it would be commemorating the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day: under the theme “Keep The Promise,” on, 12 December 2019.

UHC Day is determined to ensure that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, the Ministry has said.