Herbal drug manufacturers advised to register products

Takoradi, June 7, GNA - Only nine out of about 200 herbal medicine producers in the Western region have so far registered their products with the Food and Drugs Board (FDB) as required by law. Mr George Pentsil, FDB officer in charge of the Western and Central regions, has therefore, warned that those who fail to adhere to the laws guiding the activities of herbal medicine practice would be severely sanctioned.

Addressing a sensitisation meeting for herbal medicine producers at Takoradi, he said the Board had a duty to ensure the safety of consumers and therefore, it would enforce the laws to the letter. "We have been entrusted with the responsibility to protect the interests and ensure the safety of the consuming public and we will not shirk that responsibility", he said.

Mr Pentsil said recent visits to some herbal manufacturers by his outfit revealed "very poor and unhygienic environment", and that this and other factors could compound the problems of many sick people who patronise their drugs.

He told the meeting that registered herbal drug manufacturers have immensely benefited from the support and encouragement from the FDB and therefore urged those who had not registered to do so.

Mr Pentsil warned against "misleading advertisements on radio", which he said, constituted deception of the public, and added that radio stations involved would be taken on by the FDB.

"We are a regulatory body and the time has come for us to apply the full force of the laws to enhance your operations and also protect unsuspecting consumers".

He advised manufacturers of herbal drugs to come together and form a strong and vibrant association to enable them to get assistance from the Government and financial institutions.

Mr Vigil Prah-Eshun, assistant FDB zone officer, explained the need for herbal drug manufacturers to register their drugs, good manufacturing practices, labelling and packaging requirements and requirements for product registration.

Eighty-two herbal manufacturers from the region attended the meeting.