| James Kon |
DIRECTOR of Pharmaceutical Services Hajah Rosni binti Haji Jair yesterday advised the public to be wary of adverse effects from retail medicines, supplements and cosmetics, during an interview on the sidelines of Pharmacy Day 2018, at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
The celebration of Pharmacy Day organised by the Department of Pharmaceutical Services was aimed at educating the public on the risks associated with unregulated medicines and self-care products.
Pharmacy Day 2018 was held in conjunction with World Pharmacists Day, which occurs annually on September 25, to highlight the impact of the pharmacy profession and its role in improving health of the general public.
The guest of honour was Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Pengiran Dr Haji Md Khalifah bin Pengiran Haji Ismail, who joined a 20-minute aerobics session before touring an exhibition set up on the grounds of the Taman.
“Members of the public must be more aware about the side-effects of some medicines and cosmetics,” she said. “The consequences, especially for elderly, are dangerous. For instance, some traditional pain-relieving tonics are usually adulterated with western medicine, such as the Jus Al-Sunnah has been found to contain steroids. In the long run, steroids can cause harm to the body.”
She also cited another recent case involving two women who were admitted to hospital after developing adverse reactions to Dexteem Plus, bought from two different shops in Brunei Darussalam.
Dexteem Plus is not registered in Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Health has never issued any approval for its importation or sale.
Hajah Rosni also pointed out that in accordance with the Medicine Order 2007, any western-manufactured medicines and cosmetic products being marketed locally needs to be registered with the Department of Pharmaceutical Services. “But some people are doing it illegally, instead of going through the proper channels,” she said.
In terms of enforcement, she said, “Our enforcement personnel are working hard every day. It’s challenging, and we are collaborating with the other enforcement agencies, including the police.”
She also acknowledged that it is far from easy to keep track of online suppliers, “because they keep changing their online accounts, but we do monitor their social media platforms”.
“Patients who are taking medication for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, renal disease and hypertension need to take their medicines according to the prescribed amount. The public should also make sure that the labelling on their medicines is correct.”
On the issue of medicine shortage, she explained, “Sometimes we have problems with supplies, due to a global shortage. Some manufacturers were shut down because of non-compliance, so we need time to look for alternatives.”
Members of the public were also given the opportunity to consult with pharmaceutical personnel on general matters related to medication, traditional remedies, health supplements and cosmetics; the regulation of healthcare products; and the pharmacy profession.