The mandate of The Standards and Regulation Division is to contribute to the achievement of the Ministry of Health’s corporate goals and objectives by leading the process for quality improvement through standard setting and monitoring of the health sector (public and private). The core responsibilities are therefore to:

• Contribute to policy formulation on health issues

• Develop and maintain relevant standards and technical regulations for the provision of health care in public and private institutions.
• Promote and encourage the implementation of an effective quality management system
• Monitor systems and programmes in health to determine compliance with standards and technical regulations established by the Ministry of Health.
• Maintain an effective regulatory framework supported by sound legislation for the regulation of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and other designated products
• Identify areas for quality improvement and provide guidance for the development of quality improvement programmes in the health management system
• Identify and contribute to the development of a legislative framework for appropriate management of the health system
• Maintain critical linkages locally, regionally and internationally

The functions are critical, ensuring conformance with legislation, standards and guidelines resulting in:

• Access to safe, effective products of acceptable quality including narcotics, psychotropics, herbal products and other drugs, cosmetics, foods and medical devices;
• The importation for sale/distribution to the public of products, which have prior approval by the Ministry. Those designated by law are food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and precursor chemicals. The importation of all chemicals is also regulated through the Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Affairs Department.
• Improved healthcare delivery by health professionals;
• The implementation of appropriate health standards & guidelines;
• The provision of quality service in Health Institutions.

The regulatory oversight of the Division is national and therefore spans both public and private health domains.