Dubai Municipality confiscates unlicensed Chinese medicines from supermarkets

Redha Salman, Director of Public Health & Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, said the supermarkets in question were violating provisions of Local Order No.11 of the year 2003 pertaining to public health and environment in Dubai.

"During a routine inspection, our inspectors have spotted a variety of Chinese medicines on the shelves of these supermarkets. The products were not licensed by the Ministry of Health. We have, therefore, confiscated the products and the Ministry of Health was notified about the presence of such pharmaceutical products in the local markets for further action," he said.

The medicines included, not limited to, Chinese versions of Cefradin capsules, Amoxicillyn capsules, Azhithromycin Dispersible tablets, Cefalexin tablets, Ofloxacin tablets, and several other health supplements.

Salman said the municipality has since issued a circular to all parties involved in the trade, import and distribution of pharmaceutical products either as medicines or health supplements to abide by the laws in this regard. The circular has asked them to obtain the necessary approvals and registration certificates for these products from the Health Authorities and to ensure at all times that products imported, displayed or sold have not been banned or recalled elsewhere.

He warned that failure to comply with these directives would result in serious punitive actions which include withdrawal of the products in question, suspension of trade license and fines that range from Dhs500 to 500,000 in line with Local Order No.11 of 2003.