Agadir 24 | Agadir24
Representatives of pharmacists submitted complaints to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, demanding that the necessary measures be taken to limit drug selling activities over the Internet, which negatively affects the formal sector.
Pharmacists complain about the proliferation of websites and pages on social media that display various medications and nutritional supplements without any monitoring, to the point that some have begun to talk about “virtual pharmacies” or “internet pharmacies.”
Sector professionals are calling on the monitoring authorities to take action to stop this phenomenon, which has caused the bankruptcy of hundreds of pharmacies, considering that these activities not only represent unequal competition for the formal sector, but also pose a threat to the health of citizens, given that these drugs and nutritional supplements are not subject to any monitoring.
According to what was reported by “Al-Sabah” daily in its issue issued on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, these complaints have mobilized the competent authorities and prompted them to pursue “virtual pharmacists” who trade in medicines over the Internet without having any scientific qualifications, with the hope of arresting and investigating them.
The newspaper revealed that preliminary investigations enabled the identification of four officials responsible for managing pages promoting some medicines and nutritional supplements, highlighting that they will be arrested and prosecuted for trading in medicines over the Internet without meeting the legal conditions for practicing the pharmacy profession.
The same source indicated that investigations are still ongoing to find out who supplies those involved in selling medicines outside the law, as the law prevents pharmaceutical companies and laboratories from selling medicines to people other than pharmacists and hospitals, which specifically requires the entities that supply medicines because they also fall within the circle of legal accountability.
The same source stressed that investigations are being conducted in complete secrecy until all parties involved in this illegal trade are identified, noting that there are great possibilities of the existence of an organized network that works to smuggle medicines through border crossings and supplies them to these sellers.
In contrast, professional sources wondered about the reasons for the Ministry of Health not taking action to activate monitoring in this regard, as these sellers offer medicines over the Internet in full view of everyone, with the risks that this poses to the health of citizens.
Professionals demand the need to tighten penalties for promoting medicines without having the required academic and scientific qualifications in this field, and to punish those involved in these acts.
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**Interview with Dr. Laila Benkhaled, Pharmacist and Member of the National Pharmacists Association**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Benkhaled. Recent reports indicate that pharmacists are increasingly concerned about the rise of “virtual pharmacies” on the internet. Can you explain the specific issues these online platforms are causing for licensed pharmacists?
**Dr. Benkhaled:** Thank you for having me. The proliferation of websites and social media pages selling medications and supplements without oversight is indeed alarming. It creates an unregulated market that severely undermines licensed pharmacies. Many pharmacies are struggling to compete with these online sellers, leading to a wave of bankruptcies. Moreover, these virtual pharmacies do not adhere to safety and quality standards, which poses serious health risks for consumers.
**Editor:** That’s a significant concern. What types of measures are pharmacists advocating for the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to implement?
**Dr. Benkhaled:** We are calling for stricter regulations and monitoring of online drug selling activities. This includes a clear identification and registration process for any entity wishing to sell medications over the internet. Additionally, we urge the authorities to conduct regular inspections and to impose stringent penalties on those operating without a license. It’s vital that the health and safety of our citizens are prioritized.
**Editor:** Have the authorities started to address these issues, or is it still in the early stages of discussion?
**Dr. Benkhaled:** There has been some engagement from the authorities following our complaints. Reports indicate that they are pursuing those operating illegal online pharmacies. However, we believe that more immediate and decisive action is necessary to prevent further damage to the established pharmacy sector and to protect public health.
**Editor:** Some might argue that the growth of online pharmacies caters to consumer convenience. How do you balance consumer access with the need for regulation?
**Dr. Benkhaled:** That’s an important point. While convenience is a factor, it should never come at the cost of safety. We are not against the idea of online pharmacies per se, but they must be regulated just like physical pharmacies. Legitimate online pharmacies can provide accessible services when they comply with regulatory standards. Our goal is to create a safe environment where patients can obtain their medications without compromising their health.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you feel is the most important message that pharmacists want to convey to the public regarding this issue?
**Dr. Benkhaled:** We want the public to understand the risks associated with purchasing medications from unverified online sources. The lack of regulation means that these products may be counterfeit or harmful. We urge consumers to always consult with licensed pharmacists before buying any medication or supplement online. Your health is invaluable, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Benkhaled, for your insights on this crucial topic. Your commitment to public health is commendable, and we look forward to seeing progress in the regulatory landscape.
**Dr. Benkhaled:** Thank you for the opportunity to share our concerns.
