The Ministry of Health identified six Facebook accounts promoting sales of traditional medicines without authorisation. Health Ministry Facebook Page
The Ministry of Health called on the public to refrain from purchasing medicines promoted online by vendors who do not have the necessary permits.
The appeal was made in an announcement on January 5 that identified six Facebook accounts promoting sales of traditional medicines without authorisation.
The medicines for sale by the offending accounts do not have registration numbers.
The six accounts are all selling a product called “ISOTIN PLUS B/10ml x 6 Vials” under the brand name “Eye Doctor Cambodia Company”.
“The advertisements are untruthful and contain obviously exaggerated claims. They say their product can be used for everything from the treatment of cataracts to poor eyesight to fluid in the eyes and eye inflammation,” it said.
The ministry cited the law on management of pharmaceuticals and its amendments to make their case. The laws require anyone who wishes to distribute medicines in Cambodia to request permission from the ministry and be issued a registration number before doing so.
“Before buying traditional medicines, please check the label on the package. The label has two parts – first, the name of the importing company, and then on the second part, there should be a registration number,” it read.
A ministry official who asked not to be named said the ministry will continue to crack down on unauthorised medicines, unlicensed pharmaceutical companies and unofficial production facilities, in partnership with the police and other relevant authorities.
He said there are many online sales of unregistered medicines, and the ministry normally takes legal action to enforce the laws governing pharmaceuticals.
“Regarding the illegal medicines and promotions, we usually just fine them unless they are selling fake medicine – in those cases criminal charges will be filed. So far, we don’t have a criminal case yet, just financial penalties,” he said.
He added that the public must be careful with any medicines being sold without permission and lacking any registration number from the ministry because the registration number ensures that the seller can be found and held accountable if there is anything wrong with their products.
“We absolutely ban the online sales of unregistered medicines, and the ministry never issues anyone permission for online sales of medicines. They pose a dangerous risk to the health of those who use them,” he said.
Health ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine said the ministry actively works on the issue and has fined many people for unauthorised sales.
She also said there are people who are educated about the law and then let go with a warning because they have committed lesser offenses.
“We will try to address the issue with public participation in this matter. Please do not buy any products that are not registered correctly,” she said.
According to a report from the ministry’s Department of Drugs, Food, Medical Equipment and Cosmetics issued in December last year, there are 3,156 pharmacies and sub-pharmacies; 152 vendors of Khmer-Chinese traditional medicine; 576 pharmaceutical import-export businesses; 16 factories producing medicines and 22 factories producing medical equipment in Cambodia.
The report further states that there are 26,716 medicines and 1,596 local medicines now registered.
