Luvindao Calls for Urgent Border Oversight After Illegal Drug Import


Dr Esperance Luvindao - The Updated World
Dr Esperance Luvindao – The Updated World

Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, has called for the immediate deployment of Medicines Inspectors at Namibia’s borders, following the illegal entry of an unregistered antimalarial drug into the country.

The drug in question Quinine Sulphate Tablets was imported through the Ngoma border post, a non-designated entry point for pharmaceutical goods. The consignment was brought in by Corances, trading as West Pharmaceuticals, on 16 May 2025. Although the company held authorisation to import from Aspen Pharmacare of South Africa, it instead brought in a batch manufactured by Africure Pharmaceuticals in India, which has not been registered for use in Namibia.

“This breach has made it clear that our current system reliant on just six Medicines Inspectors based in Windhoek is insufficient,” Dr Luvindao said during a parliamentary address. “We must decentralise our regulatory enforcement and ensure border points are staffed with qualified inspectors to prevent further violations.”

Upon discovering the issue initially flagged through a social media post the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) launched an immediate investigation. Inspectors liaised with Customs to track the consignment, and a follow-up site visit to the Central Medical Stores (CMS) confirmed the details of the unauthorized import.

Dr Luvindao said the import violated multiple sections of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, 2003, including Sections 18, 27, 37, and 45, which govern the registration, importation, and sale of medicines in Namibia. She clarified that no exemptions had been granted for the consignment, and that using the Ngoma border post itself was a violation of import regulations.

She warned that the importing company may face legal consequences, including prosecution under the Medicines Control Act and possible blacklisting under the Public Procurement Act.

“This is not just a technical oversight; it is a direct threat to public health and the integrity of our healthcare system,” the Minister stated firmly. “All those found guilty will be held accountable there will be no special treatment.”

As part of a broader effort to prevent similar incidents, the Ministry is reviewing existing border procedures and exploring legislative reforms. The Legal Committee is also actively working on recommendations for disciplinary measures, which will be presented to relevant authorities in due course.

The incident underscores the growing concern over pharmaceutical oversight at Namibian borders, especially amid rising public demand for medicine safety and transparency.

0Comments

Share This Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Sport News

CELEB STORIES
Veteran Nollywood Actor Tom Njemanze Dies at 75
TUWJul 20, 2025
Tom Njemanze died at 75

Veteran Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze has passed away at the age of 75 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.…

Johana Swartbooi Crowned Miss Namibia 2025 held in Ongwediva
Karrel HamutenyaJul 20, 2025
Johanna Swartnooi

Johana Swartbooi was officially crowned Miss Namibia 2025 during a grand ceremony held in Ongwediva on Saturday, marking a defining…

Young T Busted for DUI arrest — King Tee Dee Couldn’t Resist the Clapback!
TUWJul 17, 2025
King Tee Dee and Young T drama

Namibian music entertainment just got a fresh dose of drama and no, it’s not a new collab. It’s an arrest,…

“Share the Video!” – Fans Demand UK Performance Clip from Swart Baster
TUWJul 12, 2025
Fans Demand UK Performance Clip from Swart Baster

Namibian artist Allen Jonathan, popularly known as Swart Baster, jetted off to the United Kingdom on 9 June 2025, following…


HEALTH TOPICS
Kayofa’s Cancer Journey Inspires Hope as Ongwediva Oncology Centre Breaks Ground
Aneli FuraJul 19, 2025
Kayofa’s Cancer Journey Inspires Hope as Ongwediva Oncology Centre Breaks Ground

For Ndayelekwa Kayofa, a breast cancer diagnosis last October was not a moment of surrender—but the beginning of a battle for life, family, and purpose.…

WHO Endorses Biannual HIV Prevention Injection to Strengthen Global Response
Aneli FuraJul 15, 2025
WHO Endorses Biannual HIV Prevention Injection to Strengthen Global Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recommended the use of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication, as a new tool in the fight against HIV.…

Rundu State Hospital Faces Negligence Allegations, Including Measuring Patients’ Temperature by Hand
TUWJul 10, 2025
Rundu Hospital

A patient has accused Rundu State Hospital of poor service after claiming to leave the facility feeling worse than when admitted for surgery on Monday,…

52 Students Awarded Scholarships to Power Namibia’s Healthcare Future
TUWJul 3, 2025
**52 Students Awarded Scholarships to Power Namibia’s Healthcare Future

In a major step towards strengthening Namibia’s healthcare workforce, 52 aspiring health professionals have been awarded scholarships to pursue their undergraduate studies within the country’s…

Africa