FDA cracks down on ‘illegal’ health product outlets

THERE are existing health establishments in Iloilo that still manage to operate even without health license, according to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Visayas Cluster.

Thus, the organization gathered health practitioners, government agencies and stakeholders gathered on Nov 27, 2018 to advocate the protection of the consumers’ right to health.

“Mayroong findings pa rin na may mga establishment na nag-distribute ng mga health products without the requirements of securing first the license,” said Atty. Emilio L. Polig Jr., officer-in-charge of the FDA’s Regulatory Enforcement Unit.

Polig, however, failed to provide the exact figure of establishments operating without a license.

He urged the public to come directly to the regional office or reach the FDA’s electronic address to report the cases of unlicensed health establishments and counterfeit products.

Counterfeit products and medicine are harmful for they may be contaminated or contain the wrong or active ingredient, he said.

“They may also have wrong dosage of active ingredients.”

The attendees were also taught to identify counterfeit medicines through verifying the packaging, especially on antibiotics.

The FDA forwards a “whole stakeholders’ approach” in tackling the issue for the law that apprehends offenders could be fully be implemented through the involvement of agencies and law enforcement units.

The stakeholders renewed their commitment to protect and promote the right to health of the people, instill health consciousness among them and protect them from trade malpractice and from substandard and hazardous products.

“We push for the licensing of health establishments and registration of health products. We are against to the proliferation in the market of adulterated, misbranded, unregistered and counterfeit health products,” Polig said.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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