By Joseph muyingo
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested a man from Rubanda District over the sale of an unverified herbal concoction he claims can treat heart conditions and ulcers, as well as boost male sexual performance.
The suspect, identified as Rajib Ibrahim, reportedly told customers that the herbal mixture was sourced from Tanzania and China. The products have since been seized for laboratory testing to establish their safety, quality and suitability for human consumption.
The arrest comes amid concerns over the sale of unverified medicines, particularly herbal remedies marketed to treat multiple health conditions without sufficient scientific evidence or regulatory approval.
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri warned the public against purchasing medicines from street vendors, saying such products may be exposed to harsh weather conditions and handled or stored under unsuitable conditions.
Rwamwiri also cautioned that people selling medicines on the streets often lack the professional knowledge required to prescribe them appropriately, potentially exposing consumers to health risks.
He clarified that the authority is not opposed to herbal medicine but insists that products must undergo the necessary verification and certification processes before being made available to the public through authorised pharmacies and drug shops.
The authority’s position is intended to protect consumers from potentially unsafe or poor-quality products while ensuring that herbal medicines meet the required standards before entering the market.
The laboratory tests on the seized concoction are expected to establish whether the products meet the required safety and quality standards.
The NDA continues to urge the public to obtain medicines from authorised outlets and seek advice from qualified health professionals before using products advertised as treatments for serious medical conditions.
Consumers have also been cautioned against relying solely on claims made by sellers, particularly when products are promoted as remedies for several unrelated illnesses or as sexual performance enhancers.
