The Portfolio Committee on Health has concluded its public hearings on the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Bill.
The committee received approximately 20 submissions from various stakeholders such as government, the private health sector, academics, labour and business. “The public engagement process over a three-day period was a process of listening to companies, civil society and individuals focusing on areas that will empower us as a committee to make an informed decision,” said Ms Lindelwa Dunjwa, committee Chairperson.
“The interest of the Bill is ensuring that we have an important piece of legislation that will benefit South African people. We are committed to changing the social conditions in the health sector of our country and this has to be in line with the boarder plan, the National Development Plan (NDP). We do not want to separate from the broader views and issues of the NDP,” she added.
The Bill paves way for the establishment of a new entity, the South African Health Products Regulatory Agency (SAHPRA), which will replace the Medical Control Council (MCC). The new entity will have a broader scope in terms of its mandate. SAHPRA will be responsible for ensuring safety, efficacy and quality of medical devices, complimentary medicines, cosmetics and disinfectants whilst the MCC was looked into regulation of medicines and clinical trials. The establishment of SAHPRA as a governance structure will encompass a Board of 10 to 15 experts that will be appointed by the Health Minister.
Members of the committee welcomed and appreciated the submissions that were made by various stakeholders in the health sector. Members of the committee also reminded the presenters that the objective of the Bill was to ensure regulations in the country were strengthened for the benefit of South Africans and that products in the market are safe for consumption Furthermore, the committee said that the Bill will also ensure that dumping of products from other countries is prohibited through legislation.
The committee will continue its work by deliberating on all the submissions that have been made during the public engagement process.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Yoliswa Landu
Tel: 021 403 8203
Cell: 073 738 0182
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
