Ministry to form panel to tackle smuggling of fake medicines

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Health (MoH) plans to form a national committee to check fake and smuggled drugs which are being used in the treatment of chronic diseases, an official said.

The committee will focus on counterfeit medicine being smuggled through the UAE to other countries, since the UAE has been used as a hub for smuggling counterfeit medicine, especially in free zone areas.

"Some smugglers are using UAE ports and free zone areas to transit fake drugs before moving them to other countries, for that purpose we have decided to put a stop to it," said Humaid Mohammad Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary of pharmacy and supplies, MoH.

Random inspections

The MoH has taken action after past investigations showed that two pharmacies and a warehouse were involved in smuggling fake drugs to the UAE. The matter was referred to the prosecution and legal action was taken.

"Our follow up includes making sure pharmacies throughout the UAE are not selling fake medicine. We do so through random inspection visits to pharmacies to make sure counterfeit medicine is not being sold to the public. If we find fake medicine is being sold we take severe measures such as closing down the pharmacy instantly," said Al Shamsi.

It was announced at a recent Counterfeit Medicine Conference that inspectors from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) found a number of counterfeit medicines while visiting various pharmacies, nutritional shops and supermarkets. Among the fake medicine sold were Viagra and sliming capsules which were promoted as a natural supplement but in fact contained a chemical component which suppresses appetite and aids weight loss.

"The ministry is currently looking at creating new regulations and control with regards to the entrance of medicine in the country. We are also developing and organising the medicine industry which I think will result in maintaining a better service and control and reducing the percentage of counterfeit medicine in the UAE," said Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Health.

If you have any questions or find anything suspicious regarding the medicine contact the Poison and Drug Information Centre (PDIC) toll free number 800-424.