The drug regulatory and review process in Guyana

After the old "Sale of Food and Drugs" Ordinance, Cap. 144 was repealed, the new Food and Drugs Act was enacted in 1971. This new Act has considerable flexibility and gives the Minister extensive authority to make Regulations (for carrying out the purposes and provisions of the Act). The Act controls the manufacture, importation, sale, advertising, labeling, packaging, and distribution of drug samples, and the testing of drugs. The Act also controls raw materials and finished products of drugs at the point of entry into the country, with a single agency coordinating both the inspection and analytical services. Developing countries could ensure the procurement of safe, good quality, and effective drugs and devices with the enactment of a similar Food and Drugs Act only. Rapid assessment of Drug Safety, Quality and Efficacy is done through Guyana's participation in the WHO Certification Scheme on the Quality of Pharmaceutical Products moving in International Commerce. This certification scheme is highly commendable especially to third-world countries. The Food and Drug Regulations (1977) have several unique features for drug, cosmetic and device control and they allow for a system of centralized control with limited staff to enforce the legislation. In summary, enforcement of legislative control of imported pharmaceuticals and product evaluation can be considered strong points in the drug regulatory and review process in Guyana. A cautious attitude is observed so as to ensure efficacy, safety, and quality of drugs entering the market. This Drug Regulatory and Review Process is recommended for implementation by third-world countries with outdated drug legislation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)