Surge in fake meds: ‘This is frightening. People are dying’ - Innovative Pharmaceutical Association SA

CapeTalk’s Clarence Ford speaks with Bada Pharasi, CEO of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa (IPASA).

Listen below:

Flu season is fast approaching, but getting sick is not the only thing you have to worry about.

South Africa is seeing a surge in counterfeit medicine, which poses serious health risks, as families struggle to afford quality healthcare.

These fake drugs can contain harmful ingredients and incorrect dosages making them ineffective and dangerous.

The medication may also be expired.

“It is an absolutely frightening development.”

- Bada Pharasi, CEO - Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa

This problem is particularly bad in Johannesburg.

Pharasi says part of the problem is that people, particularly foreigners, are being denied medication at public facilities.

This leads them to buy medication off the street.

“People suffer all sorts of side effects, to the extent that some of them also die as a result of taking these medicines.”

- Bada Pharasi, CEO - Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa

People are also buying medication online without knowing if it is safe or properly regulated, he continues.

“People should avoid medicines that are supplied online. You simply do not know their origins… it is very dangerous.”

- Bada Pharasi, CEO - Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa

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Pharasi urges people to only get medication from trusted and licensed outlets and to avoid any unregistered websites selling medical products.

He says you must inspect the packages your medication is in, looking out for spelling errors, expiry dates, and odd smells.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview for more.