Congo Pharmacists Order contest Propharma authorization

The National Order of Pharmacists of Congo is seeking the annulment of an operating authorization granted to Propharma, a pharmaceutical wholesale company, by the Ministry of Health and Population.

During a press conference in Brazzaville, Dr. Jagger Mpandzo, president of the National Council of the Order, stated that the Ministry issued the authorization on July 7, 2025, despite the Order having formally refused the company’s approval on July 2, 2025. The Order argues that the Ministry failed to follow legal procedures and did not provide the professional body with a copy of the authorization.

The dispute centers on Law No. 012-92 of April 29, 1992, specifically Article 26. The Order contends that Propharma’s governance and capital structure do not comply with legal requirements, which mandate that management and the majority of capital be held by pharmacists registered with the Order. Dr. Mpandzo expressed concern that bypassing the regulator’s decision undermines the legal framework intended to protect public health.