The issue of counterfeit medicines entering Lebanon remains a concern as of late, with drug dealers and selling without any regulation or oversight, posing a threat to citizens. The Lebanese Pharmacists Syndicate is being asked for their comment regarding this issue and potential solutions.
In response, the President of the Syndicate emphasized that Lebanon’s reputation is tied to the quality of the medicine provided, not shady drug dealers and smugglers. In an interview with “Lebanese Debate,” Salloum called for the authorities to step in and prevent counterfeit medicines from entering the country, as they pose a danger to patients’ lives and wellbeing.
Salloum stressed the importance of prioritizing legitimate and high-quality medicine in Lebanon, particularly locally-manufactured options, in order to maintain the integrity of the healthcare system. He revealed that imports have decreased drastically and the quantities sold in pharmacies indicate a majority of counterfeit medicines, putting citizens at risk of serious harm or even death.
The issue of the entry of counterfeit medicines into Lebanon is still a matter of time, as it has been noticed in the recent period that there are many drug dealers and its promotion in the markets without supervision or accountability, which poses a threat to the lives of citizens. What is the Pharmacists Syndicate’s comment on this phenomenon? What regarding solutions?
In this context, the President of the Lebanese Pharmacists Syndicate affirmed that “Lebanon’s identity is linked to good medicine, not to drug dealers and the drug smuggling mafia.”
In an interview with the “Lebanese Debate”, Salloum appealed, “The security forces and all authorities to intervene to prevent the entry of counterfeit medicines into Lebanon, especially as they endanger the life and health of the patient.”
He added, “Our first and foremost concern is the entry of legitimate and good medicine into Lebanon, especially medicines manufactured locally. It is important to maintain the quality of medicines.”
In conclusion, Salloum revealed that “the import of medicines decreased from one billion dollars to 300 million dollars, and the quantities sold in pharmacies indicate that most of the medicines are counterfeit, which endangers the lives of citizens and leads them to death.”
In conclusion, the President of the Lebanese Pharmacists Syndicate, Salloum, has alerted authorities and citizens alike to the danger posed by counterfeit medicines in Lebanon. He has called on security forces to intervene and prevent the influx of such drugs, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public should be the top priority. Salloum also stressed the need to preserve the quality of medicines, especially those made locally. With the import of medicines decreasing by a significant amount, the rise of counterfeit drugs is alarming, and action must be taken to prevent further harm. It is up to all of us to stay vigilant and ensure that only legitimate medicines, manufactured and distributed safely, reach our communities.
