Monrovia – The Liberia Pharmacy Board (LPB) has ordered the immediate closure of the G.W. Medicine Store, located in the Duala Market on Bushrod Island, following a reported case of medical malpractice that allegedly led to the death of a Liberian woman.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The decision, announced over the weekend, stems from an LPB investigation into complaints of illegal clinical treatment allegedly administered at the facility in violation of the Pharmacy Act of Liberia.
The complaints were filed by Ms. Tete Adjola and Madam Mama Johnson, who claimed that their younger sister, the late Miss Hawa M. Bility, received an injectable medication at the store administered by Mr. Fred M. Foeday, the dispenser. Shortly after the injection, Miss Bility reportedly collapsed and was rushed via “kekeh” to the Muslim Clinic on Jamaica Road, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
According to the LPB, the investigation — led by Inspector General Dr. Jefferson P. Harris and Ethics and Grievances Committee Chair Dr. Veronica Pasawee — was conducted from July 2 to 5 and concluded that the G.W. Medicine Store was responsible for the wrongful treatment that resulted in Miss Bility’s death.
Announcing the outcome, LPB Registrar General Dr. Menmon P. Z. Dun revealed that the facility was operating without a valid license and was engaged in unauthorized clinical practices.
He noted that Mr. Foeday, a registered nurse with license number 13047SMYTHE07/03/18, administered the injection in the store — an action deemed unprofessional and in direct violation of the Pharmacy Act.
“This act is strictly prohibited under the Pharmacy Act of the Republic of Liberia,” Dr. Dun emphasized.
He also disclosed that the store was found in possession of restricted pharmaceuticals, including injectable medications and other medical supplies intended for clinical use — another clear violation of the law.
“This is a gross violation of the Pharmacy Act, which prohibits medicine stores from selling or dispensing medical supplies and injectable medications,” said Dr. Dun.
“Based on these findings, the Board wishes to inform the public that it has officially shut down the G.W. Medicine Store for egregious violations of pharmaceutical regulations and unlicensed operations.”
Dr. Dun added that the Board’s action is in line with Section 67.25 of the Pharmacy Act, which limits the sale of certain medicines and medical supplies in medicine shops.
“This incident should serve as a serious warning to all pharmacy and medicine store proprietors and dispensers to refrain from using their premises for clinical or medical treatment purposes,” he said. “The LPB will continue routine inspections and compliance checks to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of pharmaceutical services.”
Established in 1967 by an Act of the Legislature, the Liberia Pharmacy Board functions as the regulatory authority for the practice of pharmacy in the country.
