Pharmaceutical manufacturers wishing to bring their products to Rwanda will not have to travel miles for physical registration.
The Ministry of Health, Trade Mark East Africa and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) have jointly developed an online portal in which Pharmaceutical dealers and manufacturers can log in and fill online invoices and get a license.
The portal dubbed: “Pharmaceutical regulatory services portal” was launched on Monday in the capital Kigali.
With the new portal, a dealer in Pharmaceutical products can easily log in, fill online forms and get a license in just one day.
With the new online portal, Rwandans will find it easier to fast track the registration and inspection process for access to essential medicines.
According to Health Ministry officials, the portal will increase efficiency and transparency in the industry.
A pilot phase of the system has been tried since May this year where 4953 online transactions were successfully conducted.
With the new system, the average time for importing pharmaceuticals in Rwanda reduced from 3 to 1 day.
“The portal will reduce transaction time and cost in applying for and issuing certificates, permits and licenses,” Health Minister, Dr. Diane Gashumba told KT Press.
Olivier Munyeshuri, a system developer at Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), said the portal has been integrated into the Rwanda Electronic Single Window.
According to Min. Gashumba, “By enhancing the regulatory systems in the pharmaceutical sector, the Ministry contributes to government’s efforts to promote e-governance, quality and quick service delivery to citizens and boost investment in the sector.”
The project started in 2012 and has been funded by Trade Mark East Africa.
Patience Mutesi – Trade Mark East Africa country director, told KT Press that having a system that eases the importation and transiting of pharmaceutical products in the country, is important.
“It will enable regional and global manufacturers, importers and exporters of the products apply for medicine registration, import license and other regulatory documents online,” she said.
