MOH to investigate FDA, Tobinco “war”

Accra, Oct. 5, Dr Derrick Owusu-Ampofo, an Economic Consultant has called for independent investigation into the apparent “war” between Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Tobinco Pharmaceutical Limited.

He suggested the need for the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Trade to initiate the joint investigation since the posturing of the two bodies needs an independent probe to protect public interest.

Dr Owusu-Ampofo told newsmen in Accra that the dispute started when FDA recalled Tobinco’s Gsunate Plus Suppository.

He said almost every day afterwards FDA comes out with new list of purported fake drugs imported by Tobinco.

FDA again claimed that out of over 100 medicines imported and distributed by Tobinco only seven have duly been given approval including Nifin 20-R Tablets; Slipizem 2.5mg Suppository; Slipizem 5mg Suppository; Lonart tablets; Lonart Forte Tablets; Lonart Oral Suspension; and Ciprotab Tablets.

Dr Owusu-Ampofo noted that the public is concern about the release of important health information in bits by FDA: “FDA should boldly come out with the full list of fake drugs”…“now its hit man condom”.

He noted that the health of the citizenry should be paramount and FDA must not be allowed to “play games with public health information, releasing it at their whims and caprices”.

The Economic Consultant therefore called for an immediate investigations into the underpinning facts behind FDA and Tobinco industrial war; “as the posturing of FDA raises more questions than answers, is there a hidden agenda against Tobinco?

Dr Owusu-Ampofo stressed: “who was sleeping at FDA, which enabled Tobinco to distribute throughout the country the ‘fake’ drugs to major hospitals, and other health facilities for months before it was detected?

He also question how large consignment of drugs could enter the country “illegally,” without detection at any of the country’s entry points?

Dr Owusu-Ampofo therefore appealed to the two sector Ministers to immediately intervene and launch an independent investigation into the whole issues to protect the health of the citizens and save a local industry.