The UAE ensured all possible efforts to prevent fake medicines and medical products from reaching consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to  Dr Amin Hussain Alameeri, the assistant undersecretary of the health regulation sector at the UAE Ministry of Health and Protection, UAE authorities implemented stringent measures against fraudulent companies selling fake COVID-19 vaccinations as well as medicines through social media platforms.

Dr Alameeri underlined about 50 percent of purchases of illegal and fake medicines are performed online through the use of the internet. 

"According to data provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 90 percent of the global online pharmaceuticals sell substandard medical products or SF products. Globally, at least 100,000 to 1 million people die every year due to SF products," he added.

During the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, several companies, including in the UAE, tried to sell falsified medications and COVID-19 vaccines online, the official noted.

Reports published by the US Food and Drug Administration and Interpol in Europe have confirmed the crackdown on several shipments containing fake medications in recent months. Dr Alameeri highlighted that at least 200 illicit online traders of counterfeit medicines were shut down globally amid the efforts to combat the pandemic crisis.

In this regard, the official urged the UAE nationals and residents to stay cautious and avoid purchasing medicines and supplements through social media. He further recommended the public to focus on government and licensed private pharmacies that are set up across the UAE.

The official made the remarks during an interaction with the media on the sidelines of the fourth international conference on Falsified and Substandard Medical Products at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo 2020) on November 21.

Furthermore, Rogério Gaspar, the director of regulation and prequalification department (WHO), called for collaborative efforts between countries to combat the menace of SF drugs and ensure that even the poorer nations do not buy them. There are some parts of Africa where more than 30 percent of the medicines supplied are substandard or falsified products.

UAE - A leading international pharma logistical hub

Dr Alameeri underlined the crucial role played by the UAE in enhance the trade of medicines and medical products to at least 42 neighbouring countries. With at least 91 pharmaceutical companies having their regional offices and logistical hubs located in Dubai, the UAE has emerged as a leading hub for the trade of the highest quality products to more than 40 neighbouring countries.

"Amid the pandemic, 2,062 tonnes of medical supplies, including PCR testing kits and 2110 ventilators, were shipped to countries in need during the pandemic. A total of 135 countries benefitted from UAE aid," Alameeri added.

The UAE has taking implementing necessary measures to fight the prevalence of falsified medicines in the Emirati markets for a long time now. There are a large number of technologies and initiatives undergoing in the UAE with the support from international agencies such as WHO to protect the healthcare and medical welfare of communities in the 42 countries.

Measures to combat counterfeit drugs

In March 2020, Interpol and participating government authorities seized 4.4 million units of illicit pharmaceuticals across the world. Citing a report by the Interpol, Dr Alameeri explained that antibiotics, erectile dysfunction pills, anti-cancer and diabetes medication, and hypnotic and sedative agents are among the most commonly counterfeit medical products being sold across the market.

In this regard, the UAE has partnered with several law enforcement agencies to run a five-prong strategic preventive measure with the aim of combating the entry of falsified medicines into the Emirati market.

According to the five-prong strategy, various communities are educated on the harms of consuming illicit products through medical conferences and mass media.

Secondly, MoHAP collaborates with stakeholders in drug control communities such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Ministry of Justice, the Federal Customs Authority, and the Public Prosecution to enhance the effectiveness of the campaign.

The third and fourth prongs include boosting the quality control, surveillance and monitoring capacities of the medicines and medical products. Alameeri added each pack of medicine is tracked from manufacturer to the patient using an application called Tatmeen. It is a highly advanced track and trace platform initiative by MoHAP to track the progress of pharmaceuticals and medical products in the country.

Impact of consuming falsified drugs

· Economic loss for patients, their families, health systems and manufacturers

· Increased mortality and morbidity due to dangerous contaminants

· Lost income due to prolonged illness or death

· Lost productivity costs when seeking additional medical care

· Lack of social mobility and increased poverty

· Wastage of human effort and financial outlay across the health system