Coordination Meeting Held for the Transfer of Customs Samples to Central Laboratories
A coordination meeting was held to introduce and implement the signed memorandum of understanding between the Food and Drug Deputy Ministry of the Ministry of Public Health and the state-owned Afghan Post Company. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Directorate of Regulation of Medicine Imports and Exports, officials of Afghan Post Company, Food and Drug officers from all 34 provinces, and other relevant technical officials.
The purpose of this memorandum is to establish an organized, transparent, and effective mechanism for transferring samples collected from customs points to central laboratories for the evaluation of the quality, effectiveness, and safety of medicines and health products. This aims to prevent the entry of substandard products into the market and ensure better protection of public health.
During the meeting, the contents of the memorandum, the process of sample transfer, the responsibilities, and the role of each involved institution were clearly explained. Based on this mechanism, samples collected from customs for inspection and control will be transferred safely and according to standards to the central laboratories through the state-owned Afghan Post Company.
The importance of coordination between the central and provincial offices, accelerating the sample transfer process, increasing the awareness of provincial officials, and ensuring the effective implementation of this process were also emphasized.
During the discussion session, Food and Drug officers from various provinces, especially Herat, Farah, and several other provinces, raised existing challenges including logistical problems, delays in sending and receiving samples, and the lack of sufficient facilities in some provinces.
This meeting provided a strong foundation for better coordination between the center and provinces, improvement of the sample transfer process, and strengthening the quality control system for medicines and health products. It is considered an important step toward ensuring safe and standard health services for the citizens of the country.
