-Uncovers Unregistered Medicines in Monrovia
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) has concluded a three-day intensive inspection of pharmacies and medicine stores across Monrovia, revealing a concerning presence of unregistered and unauthorized medical products on the market.
The operation, which began earlier this week and ended on Wednesday, April 14, was conducted by a specialized enforcement team led by Deputy Managing Director Dr. Patricia Quaye-Freeeman. The exercise focused primarily on medicines labeled as originating from the United States and Europe, to verify whether these products had been properly registered and approved for distribution in Liberia. Beyond verifying registration status, the inspection also sought to determine whether such medicines were illegally imported outside established regulatory channels.
Additionally, the team assessed storage conditions in various facilities—an essential factor in maintaining the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products. Preliminary findings indicate multiple violations. Several pharmacies and medicine stores were found to be stocking unregistered products from the United States and Europe, raising serious concerns about regulatory compliance and potential public health risks.
Businesses implicated in these violations have been formally summoned to the LMHRA head office for further investigation, signaling the likelihood of stricter enforcement actions depending on the outcomes.
Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise, Dr. Quaye-Freeeman described the operation as both necessary and effective. “The inspection achieved its aim. We uncovered numerous unregistered American and European products, and those involved have been invited for questioning,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the findings highlight the need for broader regulatory oversight and disclosed that the authority is considering expanding similar inspections beyond Monrovia to ensure nationwide compliance. The LMHRA, mandated to regulate medicines and health products in Liberia, has intensified its efforts in recent years to combat the circulation of counterfeit, substandard, and unapproved products.
According to Dr. Quaye-Freeeman, these measures are critical to safeguarding public health and strengthening confidence in the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. With plans underway for a nationwide rollout, stakeholders in the health sector should anticipate increased scrutiny as the LMHRA strengthens enforcement of its regulatory framework.
