Ugandan Consumers at Risk as Unregulated Gaviscon, Strepsils and Durex Flood the Market
Gaviscon, commonly used by pregnant women to alleviate bloating, can be fatal if misused. PHOTO/ Internet
KAMPALA, UGANDA: Ugandan consumers may be at risk following reports of unregulated pharmaceutical products entering the market. Gaviscon, Durex, and Strepsils, all manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, have reportedly been imported into Uganda without proper regulatory approval.
Gaviscon, commonly used by pregnant women to alleviate bloating, can be fatal if misused. Our sources informed Business Insights Africa that while strict regulation is essential for its safe use, a significant volume of the product, enough to remain in circulation for over a year, has entered the Ugandan market.
“The potential health risks are exacerbated by the lack of oversight, leaving consumers vulnerable to improper medication use,” stated our source.
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare is obligated to comply with Uganda's National Drug Authority (NDA) regulations through its authorised Local Technical Representative (LTR), Gittoes Pharmaceuticals Limited. However, reports indicate that products were shipped directly to Rabriel Investments by Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare without Gittoes' involvement or notification to the NDA.
Business Insights Africa contacted Gittoes at the time, who confirmed the source’s claims and added that the company is waiting for the NDA to conclude its investigation and would respond in a month.
Gittoes, is the upstanding LTR permitted to operate while following the full Regulatory process as laid down by the Laws of Uganda. Gittoes had requested NDA to investigate this matter since October 2024 (a request that Business Insights Africa has seen).
According to the request letter, the products were imported into the country and conditionally released without following proper procedures, including the mandatory involvement of the LTR. This oversight undermines the NDA's role in ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals in Uganda.
Business Insights Africa contacted NDA officials, who did not deny the allegations but were hesitant to respond to our requests for a comment.
Rabriel's unauthorised importation has not only created risks for consumers but also led to overstocking and potential product expiries. A huge quantity of expired Gaviscon stocks has been officially imported, while Rabriel distributes new consignments without resolving the issue. Similar issues have been reported in Tanzania, where oversupply has distorted regional stock and sales data. Business Insights Africa also contacted the Head of Regulatory at Reckitt Benckiser, who neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.
The unchecked distribution of pharmaceuticals by unauthorised parties exposes Ugandan consumers to unregulated products that could be substandard. Experts warn that NDA must enforce compliance with pharmacovigilance agreements and ensure proper checks and balances to protect public health. Experts believe that failing to address these regulatory gaps undermines consumer trust and creates long-term risks for Uganda's healthcare market. They have also advised Ugandan consumers to avoid purchasing Gaviscon, Strepsils, and Durex until NDA destroys the unregulated products.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
Business Insights Africa made numerous efforts to contact Gittoes, National Drug Authority and Reckitt Benckiser to comment on this article. Where as Gittoes answered our calls for a comment, NDA and Reckitt Benckiser were reluctant to comment. In case of any additional information related to this article you can contact the editor and the publisher here info@inspire.co.rw
