Many fake medicines on sale in Suriname

(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – In about 85% of pharmacies and drugstores in Suriname, fake medicines, mostly made in China, are sold alongside original products. This is the conclusion of a security consultancy company that has been commissioned by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and other major medicine producers to investigate fake products on local markets in Suriname and other Caribbean countries. Plans are to share the information gathered during the investigation with local authorities so these can take action. Besides in some private pharmacies, one or more fake medicines were also found in government-run pharmacies such as the SZF, a representative of the consultancy company says. He wants to remain anonymous for security reasons. Meanwhile, the organization has compiled a list of locations where fake medicines have been found. Attempts by the company to urge the Pharmaceutical Inspection and the Health Ministry to take action have been without success so far. Only the Customs Department has shown some willingness to tackle the problem. Acting on a tip from Panama, Customs intercepted a large batch of fake medicines in February. Talks with the head of the Pharmaceutical Inspection and the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry have not yielded any results so far. Attempts to reach the Health Minister and/or Ministry officials proved to be fruitless.