The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has rolled out an advanced technology that will aid in detecting substandard and falsified medical products.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 11, PPB disclosed that the Near Infrared Technology (NIR), which is known as Pillscan, will enhance the board's quality control systems to ensure the safety and quality of medicine.
The poisons board noted that the technology was acquired from Global Health Labs in the U.S. with support from the Global Fund and it is being implemented in collaboration with Missions for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS).
"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), in collaboration with Missions for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), has commenced the implementation of advanced Near Infrared Technology (NIR) known as Pillscan.
"Acquired from Global Health Labs USA with support from the Global Fund, this cutting-edge technology is set to enhance PPB’s quality control systems by detecting substandard and falsified medical products, thereby ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of medicines," read part of the statement.
Read More
PPB disclosed that the implementation began on Monday, December 9, at its headquarters and that it involved personnel retraining.
"It includes personnel retraining conducted by software engineers from Global Health Labs USA, equipment qualification, and the development of a comprehensive library to support the technology’s operation," PPB explained.
This comes days after the board’s recent directive to quarantine a cancer drug after receiving complaints about its content.
PPB stated that concerns were raised about the appearance of the content of Flurasted 500 (5-Fluorouracil) Injection, Batch No. HHP24017, prompting a directive to pharmaceutical outlets and health facilities to quarantine the affected batch.
