BY: Bockarie Musa.
The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL) is pushing for an urgent legislative overhaul to replace its outdated regulatory framework, officials announced during a press briefing on the 21 October 2026 at New England Ville in Freetown.
Speaking to journalists and healthcare stakeholders, Dr. Moses N.P. Batema, Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health, revealed that relying on antiquated laws has severely bottlenecked the Board’s operations, leading to administrative overwork and slowing down enforcement against illegal practices. Dr. Batema emphasized that the PBSL is actively fighting for the enactment of a new Pharmacy Board Act.
According to the Chief Pharmacist, the current decades-old document limits the Board’s modern enforcement capabilities, adding that reviewing and updating the Act is a top priority to give regulators the legal teeth needed to safeguard public health effectively.
In his address, Dr. Batema outlined the dual pillars that guide the Board’s mandate: Product Regulation: Overseeing and verifying all pharmaceutical products entering or manufactured within the country to ensure safety and quality. Professional regulating: Monitoring the conduct of pharmacy professionals and strengthening the relationship and trust between the Board, practitioners, and patients.
He focused on the rising dangers of counterfeit medicines, unregistered pharmacies, and illegal street drug peddlers. To combat these threats under the proposed modern reforms, Dr. Batema stressed that the PBSL cannot work in isolation therefore the Board is actively pursuing deep collaborations with other government agencies, law enforcement, and international organizations to create a unified front against illicit drug markets.
He expressed disappointment at the proliferation of unlicensed pharmaceutical businesses which poses severe risk to consumer health. He added that unauthorized sellers bypass the strict legal frameworks established under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act. He stated that Sierra Leone has two places where the medicine enter into the country which are the Sierra Leone Port and Harbour and the Lungi International Airport.
The Registrar of Pharmacy Board Alusine Ambrose Musa stated that the Board has always ensured that any establishment dispensing medication produces an authorized PBSL licensing.
He urged the public to refrain from purchasing any medical products from unregulated street hawkers, markets, or mobile vehicles. He called on the public to report suspicious pharmaceutical activities, unlicensed operators, or illegal drug peddling to local law enforcement or via the official PBSL online portal.
He said that citizens play a critical role in safeguarding community health and ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines are distributed across Sierra Leone and also admonished media outlet to report with fact.
