Parliamentary committee on health orders immediate suspension of Hepatitis B vaccination

The parliamentary committee on health has directed for immediate suspension of vaccination of Hepatitis B in private clinics and hospitals.

This follows reports by the National Drug Authority (NDA) yesterday that a number of Ugandans have been vaccinated with a fake vaccine from India whose content and effect on people’s lives is yet to be ascertained.

The directive by the committee chaired by Bukuya county Mp Michael Bukenya came as they interfaced with officials from the NDA who were led by the Board chair Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo and these were queried on a number of loop holes in the Authority.

In a much hinted discussion, the committee mebers including Kasambya county’s Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, Geoffery Macho of Busia County and Baseke Fred of Ntenjeru south pinned the Authority for failed monitoring and control of fake drugs from entering the country and this has continued to put lives of Ugandans at risk.

The chairperson of the board of NDA Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo admits there weakness in his team though says it’s not realistic to call for a stop of the Hepatitis B vaccination because the drug in question is known and being investigated hence hospitals would be left to use other vaccines from different manufacturers that are verified.