Unlicensed Chinese medicines confiscated in Dubai

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has confiscated unlicensed Chinese pharmaceuticals from two supermarkets in Deira.
Redha Salman, Director of Public Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, said the supermarkets in question had violated the provisions of Local Order No.11 of 2003 pertaining to public health and environment in Dubai.

“During a routine inspection, our inspectors spotted a variety of Chinese medicines on the shelves of these supermarkets. The products were not licensed by the Ministry of Health. We, therefore, confiscated the products and notified the Ministry of Health about the presence of such products in local markets for further action,” he said.

The medicines included Chinese versions of Amoxicillyn and Cefradin capsules, Azhithromycin Dispersible, Cefalexin and Ofloxacin tablets, and several other health supplements.

Salman said the municipality has since issued a circular to all parties involved in the trade, import and distribution of pharmaceutical products to abide by the laws.

The circular has asked them to obtain approvals and registration certificates for all pharmaceutical products from health authorities and ensure that the imported, displayed or sold products are not banned or recalled elsewhere.

He said failure to comply with these directives may result in serious punitive actions which include withdrawal of the products, suspension of the trade license, and fines that may range from Dh500 to Dh500,000 in line with Local Order No.11 of 2003.