Online dispensing of medical drugs, to be curtailed

by Carol Aloysius

The Health Ministry has taken steps to curtail online dispensing of medical drugs and cosmetics reiterating its warning that it was a dangerous practice which carried serious health risks. "We need to prevent this practice from reaching uncontrollable levels as in the West, with inter-sectoral co-operation," said Director Consumer Drugs and Devices Authority (CDDA) Dr. Hemantha Beneragama and added at recent meeting in France organised by Interpol, he attended with colleagues from the CID and Customs office had emphasised that the importance of inter-sectoral co-operation with Drug authorities, police and Customs to minimise the practice. "We have already initiated the process for this, though it may take some time," he said.

"e-dispensing, a recent practice in the west, is now gaining ground in Sri Lanka, It is dangerous to buy medicinal drugs and cosmetics including face creams on line without first consulting the advice of a qualified physician) and inspecting the contents prior to importing these drugs on the web.

Clients must also ensure that the manufacturing and importing company are reputed and internationally recognised institutes", Dr Beneragama said. Similar precautions should be taken when ordering cosmetics on line, he said, adding that many medicinal drugs imported via e-dispensing included sex enhancers and fertility drugs, and added that most of the clients for these were young men.

He said similar precautions were essential when using cosmetics ordered on line.

"Clients must check the standing of the importing company and have an allergy test before using any imported cosmetics bought on line.

"Consult a physician before you use such cosmetics especially face creams that promise to make you fair and lovely as they can cause cancer" he said.