By Sallieu S. Kanu
Bo & Makeni, Sierra Leone — October 3, 2025: The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone has intensified its nationwide regulatory enforcement, concluding a two-day regional Disciplinary Committee Hearing in Bo and Makeni on October 1st and 2nd, 2025.
The hearings resulted in fines for 76 pharmaceutical outlets found in breach of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, 2021.
The disciplinary action forms part of the Board’s quarterly compliance framework, which includes routine inspections, hearings, and—where necessary—closure or revocation of licenses. The sanctioned outlets, comprising pharmacies, drugstores, and patent medicine shops, operate across Kenema, Bo, Mattru Jong, Makeni, Mile 91, Lunsar, Bamoi, Kambia, Port Loko, and Magburaka.
Violations identified by the Distribution Chain Inspection Department included: absence of qualified pharmaceutical personnel on premises; stocking of counterfeit and unregistered drugs; and Illegal possession of Class A, B, and other controlled substances in unauthorized outlets.
Each violation attracted a fine of Le500, in accordance with Sections 12(1) and 12(4)(b) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2021. Offending businesses are required to pay into the Pharmacy Board account within 21 days of the ruling.
Joe Freeman Esq., Chair of the Disciplinary Committee and representative of the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, emphasized that the hearings are intended to correct unsafe practices rather than merely penalize. “These violations pose serious risks to public health. Once the revised Act is enacted, repeat offenders will face stricter penalties, including closure and license revocation,” he warned.
The Pharmacy Board has reiterated its call for all pharmaceutical operators to adhere strictly to licensing regulations, maintain qualified staff, and avoid stocking prohibited or unregistered medicines. Continued non-compliance, the Board cautions, will result in further disciplinary measures.