Gov’t reiterates warning vs selling medicines online
THE HEALTH and Trade departments on Tuesday reiterated its warning against selling medicines and other pharmaceutical supplies online, which is prohibited unless the trader has a physical store and corresponding permits.
Anna Melissa S. Guerrero, division chief of the Health department’s Pharmaceutical Division, said these requirements ensure the presence of licensed pharmacists who could advise patients before dispensing the medication.
“I think for the Food and Drug Administration, you are only allowed online selling if you have a physical drug store or device store with a license to operate. But otherwise, they are not allowed,” Ms. Guerrero, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino, said in an online briefing.
Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said the Trade department has a team monitoring online sellers who report to the FDA and communicate with online platforms to remove illegal sellers.
Ms. Castelo said they have received 4,000 consumer complaints involving online transactions as of May 28, which included medicines. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
