PMRA hails Uganda’s NDA for RIMS collaboration
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has hailed the collaboration with the Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA) on the implementation of a comprehensive digital transformation programme aimed at strengthening regulatory efficiency, transparency, accountability, and service delivery through the automation of core regulatory functions and processes.
PMRA Director General Charles Chimenya made the remarks on Monday in Kampala, Uganda at the start of a five-day benchmarking visit to the NDA on the implementation of Regulatory Information Management System (RIMS).
The PMRA delegation is undertaking a shadowing visit to gain practical knowledge from the NDA’s successful experience with its integrated RIMS (iRIMS). With financial support from the World Bank, PMRA is in the process of implementing its own RIMS to integrate and automate all core regulatory functions as part of a broader digital transformation agenda.
“We were looking for a peer Regulatory Authority that is not only strong in terms of WHO Maturity Level status but also operates a fully functional RIMS with modern, end-to-end functionalities. We believe there is no better place to learn from than the NDA, an institution that has successfully navigated this complex journey,” said Chimenya.
He thanked the hosts for their warm welcome and commended their openness to sharing best practices. He added that the NDA’s hands‑on experience to RIMS implementation would serve as a critical reference point for PMRA’s ongoing digital transformation journey.
On his part, NDA Secretary to the Authority Dr. David Nahamya assured the PMRA delegation of Uganda’s full support throughout the RIMS implementation process.
“We are here to share with you what we have,” said Nahamya, reaffirming the spirit of collaboration between the two regulatory bodies.
The implementation of RIMS will support the Ministry of Health and Sanitation’s digital agenda through the Malawi National Health Product Register (MNHPR) and the National Product Catalogue (NPC) as core platform components. RIMS will push validated product data to the MNHPR, which will serve as the central record of product registrations and lifecycle events. The NPC will then consume this validated data from the MNHPR and enrich it with supply chain attributes. This integrated flow will establish a single reference point, improve data quality, enable stakeholder information sharing, and support evidence-based regulatory oversight.
PMRA commits to transparency, accountability
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) Director General, Charles Chimenya, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparency and accountability, declaring PMRA a “corruption-free zone”. He made the remarks on Tuesday, July 14 2026, as he officially opened a four-day competency training for the Authority’s Institutional Integrity Committee (IIC) at the Manac Conference Facility in Dowa.
The training, facilitated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), aims to equip the recently reconstituted IIC with tools to uphold the highest ethical standards.
“This is not just a slogan, it’s a commitment,” Chimenya stated, emphasizing that integrity underpins every regulatory function and decision PMRA makes.
He stressed that delivering on PMRA’s mandate of safeguarding public health demands unwavering public trust, with integrity as the cornerstone of the Authority’s credibility.
The DG issued a direct call for all staff to embrace integrity, with IIC members expected to lead by example. He warned that he would not hesitate to remove any officer from the Committee whose conduct falls short of the expected standard, describing this as a promise to protect the institution’s reputation.
Chimenya assured the committee of full institutional backing from the Board and Senior Management, pledging the necessary resources, enabling environment, and support to carry out their oversight mandate without fear or favor. He recognized the IIC as the “conscience” of PMRA and encouraged members to speak up and raise red flags.
He expressed confidence that by the end of the training, which runs up to Friday, participants would be armed with the tools and skills to execute their oversight mandate with confidence and competence.
PMRA donates air conditioning units to five hospitals in a CSR initiative
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has donated air conditioning units to five hospitals in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at enhancing the storage of medicines in these facilities.
The five beneficiary hospitals include Nambuma Mission Hospital in Dowa, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mission Hospital in Mchinji, Ntcheu District Hospital, Blantyre District Hospital, and Chikwawa District Hospital.
The hospitals were identified during a recent routine post-market quality surveillance activity by the Authority, which revealed inadequate temperature control in their medicine storage areas. Proper temperature regulation is essential for maintaining the potency, safety, and effectiveness of medicines. Without appropriate storage conditions, medicines can degrade, reducing their therapeutic benefits and potentially endangering patient health.
“As a regulatory authority, PMRA has a critical role to ensure the proper handling and storage of medicines. However, we also recognise our social responsibility to support healthcare facilities in meeting the required standards. This donation is part of our commitment to safeguarding public health,” said Mphatso Kawaye, Director General of PMRA.
Total cost for the donation, including installation expenses is about K22 million.
Picture: Medicine Inspector Susan Kamtwanje captured during installation of one of the units at Blantyre DHO on Monday.
Invitation to CPD policy and guidelines orientation meeting for Northern region
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) invites pharmacists, pharmacy technologists, pharmacy assistants, representatives of pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy training institutions that are based in the northern region to a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy and Guidelines Orientation Meeting to be held as follows:
Date : 25th February, 2025
Venue : Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel
Time : 08:30 a.m.
Meeting objectives:
- Provide an overview of the CPD Policy and its importance to the pharmacy personnel;
- Familiarise pharmacy personnel with the CPD guidelines and reporting requirements;
- Discuss the implementation strategies and the role of PHASOM in supporting the CPD Program.
This meeting is aimed at providing in-depth understanding of the CPD Policy and Guidelines, ensuring all pharmacy personnel are prepared to meet professional development requirements. Your participation is crucial in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.
Please confirm your attendance by Friday, 21st February, 2025. For enquiries, contact Cecilia Sambakunsi on +265995665519 during normal working hours, or email at csambakunsi@www.pmra.mw. Please note that you will be responsible for your own logistical expenses.
Notice of Administration of March 2025 Registration Exams for Pharmacy Personnel
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) hereby announces that the first session of registration examinations for pharmacists, pharmacy technologists and pharmacy assistants for the year 2025 will be administered as follows:
| MZUZU | BLANTYRE | LILONGWE | |
| TIME | 08h00 | 08h00 | 08h00 |
| DATES | 24th – 25thMarch, 2025 | 24th – 25thMarch, 2025 | 24th – 25thMarch, 2025 |
| VENUE | Grand Palace Hotel | Golden Peacock Hotel | Crossroads Hotel |
To be eligible to sit for the exams, candidates must meet the prescribed requirements, which can be found on the PMRA website www.pmra.mw.
Application Process
Applications for the exams will be accepted online through Pharmacy Personnel Licensing Portal. Candidates are advised to carefully read and follow the instructions below:
- To access the portal: Go to E-Services menu on the PMRA website: www.pmra.mw then select Pharmacy Personnel Licensing Portal.
- Create an account: Fill in the required general information and click “Create account”.
- Upload the required documents under My Profile including passport-size photo, proof of identification (National ID or Passport Biopage) and proof of qualification (copy of certificate, nofication of results or academic transcript).
- Create application: Under My Applications, click on “create an application” and select preferred exam session and centre.
- Submit the application: Click Apply to submit your application.
Application Review Process
All applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be issued with Application Number and bank payment details for them to proceed to pay applicable exam registration fees.
Once payment is made, upload proof of paymenent under the application session (click application).
Confirmation
Once payment is confirmed by the Auhority, candidates will receive examination number.
Tracking Application Status
Candidates can track the status of their application by logging into their account on the Pharmacy Personnel Licensing portal and checking the “My Applications” section.
Please note that the online application for registration examinations for the first session 2025 starts on Tuesday, 11th February, 2025 and closes on Tuesday, 11th March, 2025.
For more information and/ or assistance please contact PMRA on 0881790993 / 0999379544 or email at info@www.pmra.mw.
Invitation to Second Session of CPD Policy and Guidelines Orientation Meeting
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) invites all relevant stakeholders, including pharmacists, pharmacy technologists, pharmacy assistants, healthcare providers, employers, and pharmacy training institutions to its Second Session of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy and Guidelines Orientation Meeting to be held as follows:
Date : Wednesday, 8th January, 2025
Venue : Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel, Blantyre
Time : 08:30 a.m.
Meeting objectives:
- Provide an overview of the CPD Policy and its importance to the pharmacy personnel;
- Familiarise pharmacy personnel with the CPD guidelines and reporting requirements;
- Discuss the implementation strategies and the role of PHASOM in supporting the CPD Program.
This meeting is aimed at providing in-depth understanding of the CPD Policy and Guidelines, ensuring that all pharmacy personnel are prepared to meet professional development requirements. Your participation is crucial in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.
Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 6th January, 2025. For enquiries, contact Cecilia Sambakunsi on +265995665519 during normal working hours, or email at csambakunsi@www.pmra.mw. Please note that you will be responsible for your own logistical expenses.
Notice of release of November, 2024 registration examinations
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) is pleased to announce release of results of registration examinations for pharmacists, pharmacy technologists and pharmacy assistants which were administered on 25th and 26th November, 2024.
Candidates who sat for the examinations are advised to collect their results letters from PMRA offices.
PMRA is further reminding all registered pharmacy personnel that Section 26 (2) of the PMRA Act No. 9 of 2019 provides that a person registered under section 25 of the Act shall not be allowed to practice without a practicing licence issued at a fee by the Authority. This implies that to practice pharmacy in Malawi, both new and old registrants are supposed to apply for a practicing licence.
Application forms for the practicing license can be accessed from PMRA website at www.pmra.mw or on request at PMRA Reception.
For further enquiries, please contact PMRA on 088 1 182 327 / 099 3 879 930 or email at info@www.pmra.mw during normal working hours.
PMRA launches state-of-the-art laboratory, celebrates ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) on Wednesday, 4th December, 2024, launched its state-of-the-art National Medicines Quality Control Laboratory (NMQCL) and celebrated the facility’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation at a colurful ceremony presided over by Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda.
The double celebration started with a solidarity walk from Chilambula High Way to PMRA Head Offices in Area 5 for the official launch and thereafter proceeded to Crossroads Hotel for the official presentation of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation certificate to PMRA by the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), Eve Christine Gadzikwa.
PMRA with funding from Malawi Government and Global Fund embarked on the construction of the Laboratory to address challenges related to Good Laboratory Practices, notably lack of space and absence of quality management system (QMS), in compliance with Section 79 of the PMRA Act, 2019.
Following completion of the construction works for the NMQCL, PMRA has made significant strides in strengthening its regulatory capacity, culminating in the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation of the Laboratory on 22nd February, 2024 by SADCAS.
The launch of the PMRA Laboratory marks a significant milestone in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines in Malawi. The Lab’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation is a testament to PMRA’s commitment to international standards.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation of the National Medicines Quality Control Laboratory enhances credibility, ensures reliable results, and boosts client confidence. It also opens doors to international markets and opportunities to test medicines for regional countries and UN organizations; and ultimately reinforces Malawi’s capacity to assure quality of medicines.
The NMQCL is established under Section 79 of the PMRA Act, 2019 as one of the five departments of PMRA with the objective of verifying the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines and allied substances which are manufactured in or imported into the country by persons who are authorized or licensed under the Act.
PMRA launches state-of-the-art laboratory, celebrates ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) on Wednesday, 4th December, 2024, launched its state-of-the-art National Medicines Quality Control Laboratory (NMQCL) and celebrated the facility’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation at a colurful ceremony presided over by Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda.
The double celebration started with a solidarity walk from Chilambula High Way to PMRA Head Offices in Area 5 for the official launch and thereafter proceeded to Crossroads Hotel for the official presentation of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation certificate to PMRA by the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), Eve Christine Gadzikwa.
PMRA with funding from Malawi Government and Global Fund embarked on the construction of the Laboratory to address challenges related to Good Laboratory Practices, notably lack of space and absence of quality management system (QMS), in compliance with Section 79 of the PMRA Act, 2019.
Following completion of the construction works for the NMQCL, PMRA has made significant strides in strengthening its regulatory capacity, culminating in the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation of the Laboratory on 22nd February, 2024 by SADCAS.
The launch of the PMRA Laboratory marks a significant milestone in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines in Malawi. The Lab’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation is a testament to PMRA’s commitment to international standards.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation of the National Medicines Quality Control Laboratory enhances credibility, ensures reliable results, and boosts client confidence. It also opens doors to international markets and opportunities to test medicines for regional countries and UN organizations; and ultimately reinforces Malawi’s capacity to assure quality of medicines.
The NMQCL is established under Section 79 of the PMRA Act, 2019 as one of the five departments of PMRA with the objective of verifying the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines and allied substances which are manufactured in or imported into the country by persons who are authorized or licensed under the Act.
Public notice – Invitation to CPD policy and guidelines orientation meeting
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) invites all relevant stakeholders, including pharmacists, pharmacy technologists, pharmacy assistants, healthcare providers, employers and pharmacy training institutions to a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy and Guidelines orientation meeting to be held on Saturday, 30th November, 2024 at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
Read more here.