CONCERNS about counterfeit drugs were raised in Parliament as Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu outlined details of Fiji’s new Pharmacopeia Agreement with the Government of India.
Opposition MP Joseph Nand asked about the agreement, which the minister described as a “significant milestone” in improving timely access to quality medicines.
He said India, known as the “pharmacy of the world”, exported pharmaceuticals to more than 200 countries, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) would give Fiji greater access at lower cost.
However, Opposition MP Premila Kumar pressed the minister on safeguards against counterfeit medicines.
“What provisions or what mechanisms are in place to ensure counterfeit drugs or fake medicine do not come into the country,” she said.
Dr Lalabalavu said checks were in place, both in India and in Fiji.
“In terms of the idea of fake medicine coming in, that is always an issue but, nevertheless, in terms of this agreement … we have gone over to India and inspected the outlets and visited some of the facilities that produce the medicine,” he said.
Dr Lalabalavu told Parliament all drugs would still undergo local testing.
