Sahpra hits back at EFF allegations, denies conflict of interest
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has denied claims that it is holding off on giving the Russian and Chinese vaccines approval because of a conflict of interest.
This comes after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accused Sahpra chairperson, Helen Rees of monopolising the Johnson and Johnson vaccine for personal reasons.
On Friday, the party described Rees as a stumbling block to the approval of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine and the Sinovac jab from China, calling for her resignation in 7 days.
But Sahpra CEO, Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela says the board has no say in operational matters.
According to the regulator, accusations against Rees are unfounded.
“Issues of conflict of interest are critical to us. I must also say that the board of Sahpra does not get involved in decisions on licensing or issuing of the authorisation, etcetera - that is purely a Sahpra operational decision,” says Semete-Makokotlela.
“The board is involved in governance and more strategic matters, so even the expert committee that I invite and appoint to advise me, these members do not sit on the board of Sahpra.”
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Semete-Makokotlela adds that the 24-man committee is required to make declarations for every application reviewed.
“If anyone is conflicted, we do not invite them to evaluate a specific dossier,” she says.
The regulatory body was thrust into the spotlight on Friday when scores of EFF leaders and supporters marched to their Pretoria offices, demanding vaccine approval to be fast-tracked amid a raging third wave of Covid-19 infections.
Sahpra refused to bow to political pressure, adding that their processes are driven by an independent and science-based approach.
