KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society has expressed deep concern over recent reports of increasing number of imitation drugs with fake registration numbers in the market, said its president, Datuk Nancy Ho.
“The Ministry of Health is very vigilant over the quality and safety of medicines. Hence, all medicines and healthcare products need to be registered. The public need to be informed about unhealthy practices for monetary gains,” Ho said, in her speech during the grand opening of Cosway Pharmacy, Inanam branch in conjunction with World Pharmacists Day celebration yesterday.
She said the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society would advocate consumers to buy their medicines in licensed premises, such as pharmacies, and seek advice from healthcare professionals.
“Therefore, on this matter, pharmacists must be accessible to the community,” Ho added.
The Cosway Pharmacy in Inanam is the 15th branch in Sabah, and the 150th Cosway Pharmacy nationwide. It was declared open by Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister.
According to Yong, Sabah is experiencing exponential growth in all sectors economically and socially. However, in order to sustain this growth, the people must continue to enjoy good health, for without health, there will be no wealth.
“Every effort must be made to promote healthy living. Pharmacists, with their wide knowledge in pharmaceutical care and medicines, are well positioned to provide health advice to the community,” he pointed out in his speech.
A total of 118 pharmacists are practising in Cosway Pharmacies nationwide.
Also present during the grand opening was Cosway’s head of pharmacy, Lim Jack Shen.