New device to detect fake medicines in seconds

Dr Amin Al Amiri and other officials announce details of the Emirates International Conference onCombating Medicinal Products Counterfeiting that will take place in May. Supplied photo

TruScan, a new device that will detect counterfeit medicine consignments in seven seconds, is expected to curb the passage of fake drugs through the UAE ports or any such sales within the country, a senior health official said on Sunday. Fake drugs are estimated to be causing losses worth millions of dollars to the government and pharmaceutical companies in the UAE.
Dr Amin Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary of public health policy and licensing sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, said there were no counterfeit medicines present in any of the country's hospitals and pharmacies for the past four years. "We have successfully managed to control the sale of fake drugs at these outlets," he said.
However, residents are managing to use fake drugs by placing orders online, especially for erectile dysfunction, hair loss, obesity, hormonal functions and anti-psychotics. "With the introduction of TruScan device, the inspectors working at the customs will be able to seize the shipments within seconds," said Dr Amiri.
Dr Amiri said that fake drugs camouflaged in shipments such as electronics and clothing were the biggest challenge to detect. "Courier companies are cooperating with us in this regard and we are trying to overcome this point of entry," he said. Ten devices that contain the details of registered medicines in the UAE will be distributed among the inspectors concerned.
The ministry is also all set to host the second Emirates International Conference on Combating Medicinal Products Counterfeiting on May 1 and 2 with the support of French pharmaceutical company Servier. The conference will host international organisations such as World Health Organisation (WHO), US Food and Drug Authority (FDA), Interpol, Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI) along with local health authorities. It will include a session for the public to raise awareness on fake drugs.
Meanwhile, health authorities have urged residents to report suspicious cases to the ministry's drug department, pharmacovigilance section at pv@moh.gov.ae or 24/7 hot line 80011111.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
Strategy to combat drug counterfeiting
> Communication and raising awareness
> Collaboration with stake-holders
> Quality control
> Securing supply chain (first step was through launch of the first smart packs in UAE)
> Increasing surveillance (medicines in the UAE are safe and secure)
How to spot a counterfeit
> Be as familiar as possible with your medicines (size, shape, taste, side effects etc)
> Pay attention to inner and outer packaging
> Obtain your medicines from licensed pharmacies
> Avoid buying medicine online
> Report if you think you have bought a counterfeit medicine
> Ask your pharmacist

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi