Govt to Inspect Veterinary Medicine Outlets to Ensure Farmers' Safety, Curb Drug Abuse
- The Rapid Results Initiative is aimed at inspecting over 2000 outlets in the country dealing with veterinary medicine
- The initiative will guarantee the safety of farmers and their livestock by ensuring that only compliant veterinary products are available to the market
- Jonathan Mueke called upon non-state actors in the livestock sector to sensitise the public on the importance of complying with veterinary medicine regulations
State Department for Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has launched the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) by the Veterinary Medicine Department (VMD).
Source: Twitter
The initiative is aimed at inspecting over 2000 outlets in the country dealing with veterinary medicine.
What is the Rapid Results Initiative's purpose?
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Mueke said the initiative will guarantee the safety of farmers and their livestock by ensuring that only compliant veterinary products are available to the market.
It will also contribute to the government's efforts to eradicate illicit brews, alcohol, and substance abuse.
During the launch on Tuesday, April 9, at the Kenyatta International Conference Center, Mueke assured the stakeholders of his full support for the initiative.
He called upon non-state actors in the livestock sector to offer full cooperation and sensitise the public on the importance of complying with veterinary medicine regulations.
What is the Veterinary Medicines Directorate?
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is established under Section 39 of the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VSVP) Act and is operationalised through the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Regulations.
As a State Corporation, the directorate regulates the manufacture, importation, exportation, registration, distribution, prescription and dispensing of veterinary medicines(conventional and alternative) and the practice of veterinary pharmacy in Kenya.
Effective implementation of this mandate safeguards animal health and welfare, human health and the environment.
These contribute to economic development through improved productivity in the animal health subsector, food security and achievement of universal health goals.
In the recent past, the country has experienced emerging trends of misuse, by certain individuals, of prescription animal medicines as narcotics.
This necessitated a multi-agency government approach to eliminate the vice.
Food safety concerns have also necessitated government actions aimed at mitigating the use of agrochemicals and other chemicals in the livestock sector as well as enforcing the observance of withdrawal periods.
Source: Twitter
Role of VMD in the eradication of illicit brew in Kenya
On March 6, the government issued a directive on the eradication of illicit brews, alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.
The VMD is required to implement its mandate effectively in order to ensure that all veterinary medicines manufacturers, distributors and retailers (agrovets) in the country comply with the regulations and are duly licensed.
To this end, all dealers were required to submit their licenses to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for verification by April 5, failure to which they shall be deemed unlicensed.
All unlicensed and non-compliant manufacturers, distributors and retailers will be shut down and legal proceedings instituted against the proprietors.
Further, all licensed veterinary doctors dispensing prescription drugs without prescription shall be deregistered.
All licensed agrovets, when issuing prescription drugs shall mandatorily issue a certification of the issuing agrovets, name and license number of the issuing officer for purposes of tracing.
The VMD is undertaking various activities aimed at enforcing compliance and shutting down of noncompliant veterinary drugs manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
Rigathi Gachagua on illicit brew menace
In other news, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defended the ongoing nationwide fight against illicit brew.
Speaking on Inooro TV's Kiririmbi programme on Sunday, March 18, Gachagua asked families not to hide their alcohol-addicted relatives.
According to the second in command, families should make public information if their kin dies because of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
At some point, Gachagua got emotional as he narrated the family's experience of losing his brother because of alcohol.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
