Five unlicensed pharmacists arrested in Aweil South

JUBA – Five pharmacists in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, accused of operating without valid licenses, defying recent directives from the Aweil South health department aimed at regulating the pharmaceutical sector, have been arrested.

The arrests were made on Thursday after local police were dispatched to close down the shops of individuals who allegedly ignored an earlier order to suspend operations until they met the county’s health standards.

Confirming the incident on Friday morning, the Aweil County Health Director, Kon Pel Pel, said the crackdown was intended to protect residents from unsafe medical practices.

“These individuals were detained because they lack the necessary qualifications to operate pharmacies,” Kon stated. “Our aim is to ensure that our people receive safe treatment whenever they visit a health facility.”

While acknowledging that some of the local drug sellers play a vital role due to shortages in government-run health centres, Kon maintained that only accredited and licensed pharmacists are permitted to dispense medicine.

“Most of these pharmacies are run by people who have not studied nursing or laboratory science. They buy drugs in bulk from wholesalers and sell them without professional oversight. This is dangerous because it involves human lives,” he emphasised.

The County Information Director, Simon Lual Buk, also commented on the arrests, saying the suspects would be questioned and possibly released if they agreed to shut down their shops.

“These people are treating human beings without licenses. You can’t just open a shop, fill it with drugs, and start treating people to make money. The commissioner has ordered a full crackdown on such unqualified individuals,” Buk warned.

He revealed that the operation will extend to all nine payams of Aweil South County, including Panthou, Wathou, and Tiar-Aliet.

Authorities say the move follows a rise in reported cases of malpractice involving untrained drug vendors. Several residents have allegedly suffered complications — and in some instances, death — after being injected or medicated by unqualified individuals.

In one recent case in Aweil East County, a pharmacist was taken to court after a child reportedly died instantly following an improper injection.

Health officials have since urged all medical practitioners to verify their licenses and qualifications, warning that anyone found operating illegally will face strict legal action.