Soledad, Colombia Cracks Down on Unregistered Medicines: A Growing Trend?
A major health operation in Soledad, Atlántico, a city within the Barranquilla metropolitan area, has raised concerns about the sale of unregulated medicines. The Soledad Municipal Government, through its Health and Government departments, seized over 21,000 units of natural medicines lacking sanitary registration and sealed several establishments selling them.
Inspections revealed the irregular sale of products marketed for muscle gain, rejuvenation, improved circulation, and increased vitality. Many lacked authorization from INVIMA (Colombia’s national food and drug surveillance institute), and others had issues with labeling and storage.
The Scale of the Problem
Edison Barrera, the municipal Secretary of Health, reported the seizure of over 300 empty bottles and packaging allegedly used for illegal repackaging of medications. This practice poses a significant risk to public health.
“We are developing actions throughout the municipality to protect the health of residents. These products represent a risk as they have no sanitary control or guarantee about their composition,” Barrera stated.
Medicamentos para masa muscular y rejuvenecimiento estaban siendo vendidos sin aval del Invima. Foto:Alcaldía
Beyond Soledad: A National and Global Issue
While this operation occurred in Soledad, the issue of unregulated medicines is a growing concern globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10% of medical products in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified. This problem extends beyond natural remedies to include essential medicines for life-threatening conditions.
The rise of online pharmacies and e-commerce platforms has exacerbated the problem, making it easier for counterfeit and unregulated products to reach consumers. The lack of robust verification processes on some platforms allows these products to proliferate.
Why are Unregistered Medicines Dangerous?
Authorities sealed the establishments involved, a decision supported by Carlos Valencia, the Secretary of Government, who emphasized the coordinated effort between municipal departments and citizen security. “The permanent inspection is fundamental to prevent situations that put the population’s integrity at risk. We will not allow the commercialization of products that do not comply with sanitary regulations,” he affirmed.
The dangers of unregistered medicines are multifaceted. They may contain incorrect dosages, harmful ingredients, or no active ingredient at all. Manipulation and repackaging, as suspected in Soledad, further increase the risk of contamination and degradation.
The administration municipal reiterated that medicines should only be purchased with INVIMA authorization and from legally enabled establishments.
Future Trends and Prevention
Several trends are likely to shape the fight against unregulated medicines in the coming years:
- Increased Regulatory Scrutiny: Governments worldwide are likely to increase regulatory oversight of online pharmacies and strengthen enforcement against counterfeiters.
- Blockchain Technology: Blockchain could be used to create a secure and transparent supply chain for pharmaceuticals, making it easier to track and verify the authenticity of medicines.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered tools can be used to detect and remove counterfeit listings from online marketplaces.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the risks of unregulated medicines and how to identify legitimate sources is crucial.
Autoridades sellaron varios establecimientos que comercializaban productos farmacéuticos alterados. Foto:Alcaldía
FAQ
Q: What is INVIMA?
A: INVIMA is Colombia’s national food and drug surveillance institute, responsible for regulating and overseeing the safety and efficacy of medicines and food products.
Q: What should I do if I suspect a medicine is counterfeit?
A: Report it to INVIMA and your local health authorities.
Q: Where can I uncover a list of registered medicines in Colombia?
A: You can find information on the INVIMA website.
Q: Are natural medicines always safe?
A: No. Even natural medicines can have harmful effects if they are not properly regulated or if they interact with other medications.
The authorities invite the community to report any point of sale that commercializes pharmaceutical products in irregular conditions or without sanitary support.
The inspections will continue in different sectors of the municipality as part of a strategy to curb the illegal market of medicines and protect consumers.
