Basiru Njie, Executive Secretary of the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) Manager before for
By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) has announced the commencement of an investigation into alleged market exploitation within the pharmaceutical sector, specifically focusing on the sale of normal saline.
The investigation, authorized under Section 15(b) of the Competition Act 2007, follows growing concerns about a shortage and steep price hikes for the essential product.
“The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Competition Act 2007, hereby informs the public of the commencement of an investigation into alleged market exploitation in the pharmaceutical sector, in particular normal saline.” The commission states
In September 2024, the Commission said they conducted an inquiry into the normal saline market, uncovering a worrying situation: many patients and their families, they stated, were severely impacted by the lack of availability and inflated prices. Their preliminary findings pointed to a potential abuse of monopoly power by certain pharmacies, leading the Commission to take further action.
“The Commission conducted an inquiry into the market in September 2024, which revealed a shortage and drastic increase in the price of normal saline, which had deeply affected patients and their families. The inquiry indicated a high likelihood of exploitation of the monopoly situation by some pharmacies. The Commission, in view of the preliminary findings of its market inquiry and in accordance with Section 31(2) of the Competition Act and Rule 5(5)(b) of the Competition Commission Procedural Rules 2008, initiates an investigation to determine whether Section 31(2)(b) of the Competition Act 2007 has been violated, and to assess the impact of the alleged conduct on consumers. In this regard, the Commission invites all relevant stakeholders to come forward and provide any information that may assist the investigation. The Commission will treat all information confidentially and will take appropriate action on the basis of the evidence provided.” The statement reads.
While the Commission stresses that the initiation of the investigation does not automatically imply that any pharmacy has violated the law, it highlights the importance of ensuring fair practices in the marketplace. The GCCPC has called on all relevant stakeholders, including pharmacies, healthcare providers, and consumers, to come forward with any information that may aid the investigation. All submissions will be treated with strict confidentiality.
“It should be noted that the commencement of an investigation into the shortage and price increment of normal saline does not imply that the conduct under investigation is anti-competitive or that the Competition Act 2007 has been infringed by any particular pharmacy,” the commission advised in the statement.
For now, the public is advised to remain patient as the investigation proceeds, with the assurance that the Commission is working to protect consumer interests in the health sector.
“The Commission reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring fair competition and enhanced consumer welfare in all sectors of the economy.” The statement concludes.