Clinics, Drug Shops Closed for Operating Illegally

The National Drug Authority-NDA and Allied Health Professionals Council have closed eleven clinics and drug shops in Arua district for operating illegally and using unqualified medical personnel.

The affected clinics and drugs were closed in an operation by the two bodies in the district to clamp down on illegal health service providers.

Anthony Banya, the West Nile regional supervisor Allied health professionals council says the affected health facilities were found operating without authorization during their operation in Manibe, Aiivu and Vurra sub counties.

He says they found some of the clinics and drugs shops being operated by teachers and accountants, who don’t have any training in health matters.

Dr. Patrick Anguzu, Arua district health officer has applauded the closure of the affected drugs shops and clinics, saying this will help people get services from qualified personnel in the various health facilities in their areas.

According to Anguzu, despite the fact that each sub county has well equipped health centers, people prefer buying medicine from clinics and drug shops operated by unqualified people.

However, some of the residents who spoke to URN defended their decision to buy medicine from drugs shops. John Godo, a resident of Arua town says they prefer going to drug shops to avoid complications at the government health facilities.

Grace Anyole, a nurse whose clinic was closed in Manibe Sub County says she has been operating illegally because of lack of funds to travel to Kampala to register with the council.

He says that, now that the Allied health professional’s council has opened an office in Arua, it will help them to register easily.

The Allied health professional council was established under the Allied Health Professionals Act Cap. 268. It is mandated to regulate supervise and control the training, practice and other related matters of Allied Health Professionals in Uganda.