The assistant general secretary of the Tunisian Union of Private Pharmacy Owners, Aymen Khalifi, has called on authorities to apply the law and track down those distributing medicines outside of the legal and regulatory framework. He warned of the repercussions of emerging parallel channels for medicine distribution. Khalifi emphasized that Tunisia has an organized system for importing and distributing medicines, which ensures quality, efficacy, and price control.
This system relies on the state importing medicines through the Central Pharmacy, allowing for quality control and monitoring. Khalifi expressed concern over a recent statement by the Drug and Health Products Agency, which reported the existence of medicines being sold outside of the legal channels. The statement urged healthcare professionals to be vigilant, sparking questions from the union about the recognition of parallel medicine distribution channels.
Khalifi argued that any violations of the legal channels for importing and distributing medicines should be referred to the judiciary. He stressed that the union is committed to upholding the law and protecting public health. The emergence of counterfeit medicines in Tunisia has raised concerns about the potential risks to public health and the need for stricter controls.
According to Khalifi, the current system in Tunisia ensures that medicines are subject to rigorous quality control and monitoring. This includes checks on the quality, efficacy, and pricing of medicines, which helps to prevent the circulation of counterfeit or substandard products. However, the recent statement by the Drug and Health Products Agency suggests that there may be weaknesses in the system.
The union's call for a crackdown on counterfeit medicines comes amid concerns about the growing threat of fake and substandard medicines in Tunisia. The issue has sparked a debate about the need for greater regulation and oversight of the medicine distribution chain. Khalifi emphasized that the union is working to protect the interests of its members and ensure that the public has access to safe and effective medicines.
The Tunisian authorities have been urged to take action to address the issue of counterfeit medicines. The union has called for greater cooperation between regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and the healthcare sector to prevent the circulation of fake medicines. This includes strengthening controls on the importation and distribution of medicines, as well as raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the public.
The issue of counterfeit medicines in Tunisia highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and the healthcare sector. The union's call for action reflects the concerns of the healthcare community and the public about the risks posed by fake and substandard medicines.
Key points
- The Tunisian Union of Private Pharmacy Owners has urged authorities to take legal action against those selling counterfeit medicines.
