ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Authorities shut down over 25 pharmacies in the course of four days as part of a campaign targeting expired or unauthorized medicines in Erbil province’s northeastern district of Soran, according to health authorities.
The general directorate of health in Soran administration told Rudaw’s Andam Jabar that over four days, they closed 28 clinics and pharmacies in the administration, including 12 in Choman, seven in Khalifan, and ten in the Soran city center. Penalties range from temporary closures to legal action, depending on the severity of violations, Soran administration’
“The health of our citizens is our red line. There will be no compromises for personal or political interests over public health. We will hold violators accountable and publicly disclose their names,” Kamaran Mala Mohammed, the General Director of Health in Soran, told Rudaw on Friday.
The inspections are carried out by a committee under Mohammed’s office, formed in response to public concern. It is authorized to shut down any clinic or pharmacy that sells expired medicines, unstickered drugs, smuggled products, or unauthorized medications, and will publicly disclose the names and addresses of the suspects.
“Medicines sold in pharmacies must have stickers issued by the Ministry of Health and Quality Control. Their prices must also match the official stickered price. If we find a large quantity of unstickered or smuggled drugs in a pharmacy, we will shut it down immediately and may refer the case to court,” Ziad Hassan, the head of the committee said.
“I hope these inspections and investigations continue. If a location is penalized, it must sign a pledge to prevent repeat violations,” said Mohammed Salim, a committee member.
Authorities said investigations will continue and restrictions will be placed on new clinics and pharmacies in the area to prevent unauthorized establishments.
The Soran General Directorate of Health oversees 500 private clinics, pharmacies, and medical laboratories, with 200 located in Soran city and the rest across other areas.
