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Saturday, July 16, 2005
Agency notes rise in fake medicines
By Jane Cadalig
WITH the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in the different areas of the region, the Bureau of Food and Drugs (Bfad) warned the public to be vigilant in buying pharmaceutical products.
Bfad officials admitted that Cordillera is not spared from the hazards of fake medicines that are being sold to the market and sometimes, even issued by physicians.
They explained that counterfeit medicines do not only include those that have already expired but also the imported ones that did not pass through the Bfad and even the medicines that are given out by the government for free but are being sold.
"All these are considered violative prescriptions," said Bfad-Cordilleras chief Yolanda Balauag.
She also said even establishments or dealers that are legally operating are not allowed by law to be dispensing medicines unless registered with the agency.
Balauag said commercial establishments, although they have secured the necessary permits to engage in business, are actually prohibited from selling medicines.
"Business permits, which are issued by the local government units can not be considered as licenses by commercial establishments, including variety stores, to distribute medicines.
Only Bfad, she added, has the authority to issue permits for business firms to sell these products.
"All commercial drugstores and establishments should register with BFAD. Without the certificate of registration, they are not required to dispense medicines," she explained.
To distinguish a counterfeit drug from a genuine one, Mary Baguilat, head of the Pharmacy department of the Benguet General Hospital, said consumers should be careful enough to check the batch number, the lot number, the drug registration number and the expiry date of the product.
"If these are not indicated in the medicines that they have bought, these drugs are fake," she said.
(July 16, 2005 issue)
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