The United Nations Humanitarian Aviation Services (UNHAS) was yesterday not allowed to dispatch an aircraft carrying medical supplies after the South Sudanese government imposed a new control on transport of medicines within the country.
Officials reportedly said the decision to block the flight was due to lack of clearance from the Drug and Food Control Authority (DFCA), according to an e-mail sent to UNHAS clients on Monday.
The email seen by Radio Tamazuj instructed all NGOs and institutions to get an approval or clearance in order to transport medical supplies outside Juba.
“No, person, institution, NGOs or any pharmaceutical company should transport pharmaceutical products to other states without permission or approval from DFCA,” the airline advised its clients.
“All users are hereby advised to get the DFCA clearance or approval and attach a copy while submitting cargo movement requests to UNHAS office. No medicines/medical supplies will be accepted without the said clearance,” UNHAS told their clients.
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