Illegal and expired hemodialysis chemicals and medical equipment with an estimated value of over 8.6 million Birr, which were illegally stored in a private residence around the Shola Market area in the Yeka Sub-City, have been disposed of, the Addis Ababa City Administration Food and Drug Authority announced.
The operation was carried out by the Authority's Yeka Branch Office, which stated that the discovered chemicals included Hemodialysis A and Hemodialysis B used for kidney dialysis treatment. Beyond the inspection inside the warehouse, it was confirmed that the clinic responsible for the illegal act and operating below standards has been suspended from providing further services.
According to Sisay Hunde, Director of Health Institutions and Professionals Control Directorate at the Authority, the stored medical supplies and chemicals carried a cover claiming to be a "store belonging to a hemodialysis clinic." However, it was confirmed to be an illegal stockpile lacking recognition and a certificate of competence from the Yeka Branch Office.
A total of 34 types of medical equipment and hemodialysis chemicals were found in the warehouse, out of which 14 types were completely expired. Additionally, 2 types of products had not passed their expiration dates, but because they were improperly stored, they were verified as unfit for use. The remaining 18 types of medical equipment were found to be in condition fit for use and were left un-disposed.
During the process, it was disclosed that the total value of the disposed products reached 8,664,495 Birr, of which the 14 types of expired hemodialysis chemicals are valued at 8,615,495 Birr. Furthermore, it was indicated that the two types of chemicals unfit for use due to poor storage conditions have an estimated value of 49,000 Birr.
These disposed products were burned and destroyed using the medical chemicals and pharmaceutical incinerator located at Alert Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. An expiration date inspection conducted on the products showed dates ranging from 2021 to 2026, indicating that they had passed their expiration dates many years ago.
Fentahun Tadesse, Manager of the Yeka Branch Office, stated that through the inspection and monitoring conducted by the Authority, it was possible to preemptively protect the public from the severe health risks that irresponsible stockpiling of health commodities could cause.
Dr. Muluemebet Tadesse, General Manager of the Authority, stated on her part that the institution is following the case closely and affirmed that it will intensify controls on health institutions and pharmaceutical storage facilities. She also urged health institutions to maintain legality and standards, and to operate only after obtaining authorization from the Authority.
