PDEA to intensify inspection of pharma, chemical firms

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) head director general Aaron Aquino has ordered its officers to intensify the conduct of compliance inspections of pharmaceutical and chemical firms to prevent diversion of legitimate substances for illegal purposes.

Aquino directed their regulatory compliance officers to conduct at least four monthly inspections of pharmaceutical and chemical entities handling dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs).

“This is to determine the compliance of our regulated parties such as corporations, institutions, individuals and other legal entities with the terms and conditions of any license or permit granted pursuant to Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and other implementing rules and regulations enforced by the agency,” Aquino said in a statement Saturday.

Among the CPECs that could be used to manufacture illegal drugs are acetone, ether, methyl ethyl ketone and toluene.

Based on their records, Aquino said there are 5,247 registered pharmaceutical and chemical entities in the country as of last year that will be subjected to compliance inspections.

The PDEA has regulatory functions which include the processing and issuance of licenses and permits to companies engaged in the importation, distribution, manufacture, prescription, dispensing, selling and other lawful acts in connection with any dangerous drugs, CPECs and other similar substances.

He added they are also conducting regulatory information advocacy through meetings and workshops with the stakeholders in collaboration with the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry Organization of the Philippines Inc.

“The agency also maintains harmonious coordination and collaboration with other government regulatory agencies and international counterparts,” Aquino said.