Probe underway in Gauteng into wholesalers suspected of selling medication to unlicenced shops

JOHANNESBURG - A probe is underway into wholesalers suspected of selling medication to unlicenced, non-pharmaceutical shops in Gauteng. 

This after raids by the Gauteng Health Department uncovered several spaza shops stocking medicine meant to be distributed only by licenced health professionals and pharmacies.

In response to questions from EWN, the department confirmed that the investigation was focused on the potential health risks facing unsuspecting consumers.

By law, unlicenced stores can only sell Schedule 0 drugs, like paracetamol and aspirin.

Any medications, such as codeine-based cough syrup or children’s pain medicine, require licencing, otherwise, it’s a criminal offence.

The department said the public was at risk when buying these products without dosage counseling, leading to potential underdosing.

Department spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, has also cautioned that improper storage of medicines could make them toxic.

"If medication is stored outside of the prescribed temperatures for a long period, it may degrade and become toxic to the persons who ingest it."

It's unclear how many shops are violating these rules but investigations continue.