High prices lead to boom in online trade of medicines

DAMMAM — Increased prices for medication has led to a boom in online stores selling medication to Saudis over the Internet. Prescriptions happen virtually, across social media networks. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) stated that it does not monitor these online shops, but is looking at complaints the authority received on the issue. A number of social media accounts act as access points for e-pharmacy stores on Instagram as well as Twitter, often promoting physical pharmacies and their products. These online stores target multiple types of consumers, including patients who want drugs at lower prices, or larger quantities than what is available locally. The online stores vary in terms of specialization, with some selling vitamins or supplements, oils or herbs, while others sell medication. An SFDA source said: "The authority does not follow or monitor electronic stores directly, but allows for the submission of reports and complaints about products that are marketed through these shops. "A team of Inspectors is sent take samples of the marketed products, which are forwarded to concerned departments. The incident is then dealt with according to regulations." The source said there were regulations and bylaws governing the sale of any medication, meaning the medication passes through several stages of vetting before it is put on sale. “This process sometimes takes years and cost huge amounts of money. All countries have regulators to monitor the pharmaceutical market, and the SFDA is the concerned authority to follow up on drugs and allow their sales in the Kingdom,” the source said. The source said that online stores have found a way to bypass the regulatory authorities in the pharmaceutical market. "Some drugs are rare and meant for treating serious diseases so they are expensive. As a result, illegal trade became an option for many," he said. The source stressed that consumers should avoid purchasing from online stores and assist authorities to arrest those involved. Member of the Health Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers Abdul Rahim Qari said that drugs are very crucial for people's safety and should be handled carefully. "Wrong use of any drug can cause unknown risks. Therefore, medications go through numerous checks at different levels and in some cases for decades before being permitted to be sold and used in the market,” Qari said.