PB asks DOH to probe spread of fake drugs

Two Provincial Board members wanted the Department of Health to look into reports that counterfeit medicine proliferating in the province come from Talisay City.

Board Members Juan Bolo and Estrella Yapha said DOH officials should investigate the existence of drug stores in that city that sell counterfeit medicine.

The DOH officials discovered that at least five drug stores in Talisay City are selling counterfeit medicine. But DOH regional regulatory license division chief Angelita Salarda admitted that they failed to locate these drug stores.

She, however, said that they are now coordinating with officials of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to verify the reports.

Salarda revealed that 69 out of 473 drugstores in Cebu City and the province were found selling counterfeit, expired and unregistered medicine last year. She said that drug samples from physicians are even sold.

Both Bolo and Yapha warned the public over the reported presence of counterfeit medicines in the market.

Board Member Joven Mondigo said DOH regional officials should train local government officials the technique in detecting and identifying counterfeit medicine. - Jose P. Sollano