SOUTH AFRICA’S Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, advocates a diet of garlic and vitamins to combat the spread of HIV. She may soon get her way, if the country’s parliament votes for a draft bill that will abolish South Africa’s independent drug approval body.
The Medicines Control Council (MCC), established in 1965, approves all new drugs – from anti-fungals to sexual performance enhancers. Although the minister of health appoints its officers and 146 volunteer scientists, the body reports directly to parliament.
The MCC has a track record of clashing with health ministers. In 2000, it blocked human testing of virodene, a…
