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The Sierra Leone Pharmacy Board (SLPB) has concluded a workshop aimed at reviewing the draft National Medicines Regulatory Authority and Pharmacy Council Bill, to help strengthen the pharmaceutical sector in the country. The workshop brought together pharmacists, health officials, civil society members, lawmakers, and international partners to discuss the significance of the bill.
The workshop marked a significant move towards reforming the outdated pharmaceutical laws and tries to consolidate fragmented legislation that can be more effective and regulatory.
According to Solicitor General Robert Kowa Esq., keynote Speaker at the event, acknowledged that efforts to reform the laws have been in progress since 2020. He criticised Section 59 of the existing Pharmacy Act for being “abused and misused,” and pledged full support for the enactment of the new bill, describing it as long overdue and essential for sustainable healthcare delivery in the country.
“I hope when this new law is successfully implemented, it will improve public health safety and ensure access to quality medicines across the country,” Kowa said.
Chief Pharmacist and Chairman of PBSL, Dr. Moses Batema, highlighted the importance of reforming and reviewing the two key bills. He acknowledged the role of former reform efforts dating back to the 1988 Act, and praised the 2023 review. He maintained that the engagement with stakeholders marks a pivotal step toward strengthening the pharmaceutical laws in the country.
“We are swiftly calling on parliament to pass this bill, which is seen as an essential tool for improving healthcare facilities, which can boost public confidence in the medical sector,” he said.
He congratulated the Ministry of Health for their efforts and resilience, praising other partners for coordinating this vital step towards achieving Agenda 2026.
Representing the World Health Organisation, Dr. Binyam Hailu emphasised the global significance of the reform. He noted that the pharmaceutical landscape has evolved, with increasingly complex medicines and technologies that require modern expertise.
He said this regulatory framework aligned with standards that help to prevent the spread of substandard and counterfeit medicines.
Andrew Sorie, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to facilitate the Bill’s for it to be passed into law.
He urged all stakeholders to support this national health reform, through coordination with the Law Officers Department.
