The Health and Health-Related Products Quality Control Authority is responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines, medical devices, food products, and cosmetics. The authority regulates, inspects, and monitors health-related products to protect public health and ensure compliance with national and international standards.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

1. Regulation and Quality Assurance of Medicines

• Evaluate and approve pharmaceutical products for safety, efficacy, and quality.
• Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for local and imported medicines.
• Monitor and inspect pharmacies, drug manufacturers, and distributors.
• Implement post-market surveillance to detect substandard and counterfeit drugs.

2. Medical Devices and Equipment Quality Control

• Assess and approve medical devices for market authorization.
• Conduct inspections and testing of medical equipment to ensure compliance.
• Establish guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of medical devices.
• Monitor adverse events and safety concerns related to medical equipment.

3. Food Safety and Quality Control

• Develop and enforce food safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct laboratory testing of food products to detect contaminants and adulteration.
• Certify food manufacturers and processors for compliance with hygiene standards.
• Prevent the distribution of unsafe or expired food products in the market.

4. Cosmetics and Personal Care Product Regulation

• Evaluate and register cosmetics to ensure they meet safety standards.
• Monitor and control the use of harmful chemicals in beauty and personal care products.
• Inspect manufacturing and retail facilities for compliance with health regulations.
• Conduct public awareness campaigns on safe cosmetic use.

5. Inspection, Licensing, and Certification

• License and regulate pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers.
• Certify healthcare institutions for adherence to quality standards.
• Perform routine and surprise inspections of health-related businesses.
• Take legal action against violations of health product regulations.

6. Laboratory Testing and Research

• Operate accredited laboratories for testing medicines, food, and medical devices.
• Conduct research on public health risks related to health products.
• Develop new testing methods and quality assurance procedures.
• Collaborate with national and international regulatory agencies.

7. Public Awareness and Consumer Protection

• Educate the public about the safe use of medicines, medical devices, and food products.
• Establish a complaint-handling system for reporting unsafe health-related products.
• Strengthen partnerships with consumer protection agencies and stakeholders.
• Promote rational drug use and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).