Sana'a: The Ministry of Health and Environment has announced a decision to ban the sale and dispensing of tuberculosis medications in private pharmacies and facilities, restricting their distribution exclusively to the National Tuberculosis Control Program. This move is aimed at safeguarding tuberculosis patients from exploitation and ensuring they receive treatment free of charge, in line with established medical protocols.
According to Yemen News Agency, the decision, enacted under Resolution No. (6/1/69) of 1446 AH, stipulates that tuberculosis medications cannot be distributed outside the National Program for Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases Control, along with its branches in various governorates and districts. These entities are designated as the sole authorized bodies to provide tuberculosis patients with free treatment.
The Ministry has issued a stern warning to pharmacies and private health facilities against contravening this decision, highlighting that the unauthorized dispensing of tuberculosis medications constitutes a violation that could lead to legal consequences for the offenders.
In a statement reported by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), Dr. Ihab Al-Saqqaf, Director General of the Tuberculosis Control Program, described the decision as a vital measure for promoting health equity among tuberculosis patients, emphasizing that they represent one of the most vulnerable groups in society. The decision seeks to alleviate financial burdens on patients while ensuring the safe use of medications, ultimately aiming to curb the resistance of tuberculosis bacteria to antibiotics.
Dr. Al-Saqqaf further stressed that the decision unequivocally prohibits the dispensing of tuberculosis medications by any entities not affiliated with the program or its branches, in strict adherence to the law. He hailed the decision as a significant achievement that reinforces legal protections for tuberculosis patients' rights and facilitates the prosecution of any violations related to this matter.