The ministry of health has set up an advisory body, National Medicines Therapeutics Committee, that is tasked with the responsibility of formulating and implementing policies on selection and use of medicines in the country.

The body’s formation comes after the deaths of more than 70 children in the country from  Indian-manufactured contaminated cough syrups. 

Speaking during the inauguration of the body, Muhammed Lamin Jaiteh, permanent secretary at the health ministry, said the body will help the ministry in making policies and offering advice and analysis on medicines.

“The committee will help in making policies to the use of various drugs in the healthcare system. It will also evaluates, educates, and advises medical staff and organisational administrators in all matters about the use of medication,” he said.

He highlighted the roles of the body to include policies and procedures to outline bylaws to regulate organisations and improve the safety of drugs in the country.

“And it also improves the safety of drugs therapy and improves therapitic outcome,” he said.  

Reporting by Adama Makasuba