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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider FDA slaps fines on online shopping platforms, drugstore for selling medicines online

FDA slaps fines on online shopping platforms, drugstore for selling medicines online

Published Dec 9, 2019 12:00 am
By Analou De Vera The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday said that it imposed a fine on three online shopping platforms and a drugstore for selling medicines online. Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo (RTVM / MANILA BULLETIN) Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo
(RTVM / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “Meron tayong tatlong online selling platform na pinatawan natin ng fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000, depende kung ano yung dami ng produkto nila na ino-offer na gamot online (We imposed fines on three online selling platforms ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 depending on the volume of drug products that they offer online),” Health Undersecretary and FDA Officer-in-Charge Rolando Enrique Domingo told reporters. Domingo said they monitored the three online shopping platforms and found they offer both prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as "abortifacients that are not even legally registered in the Philippines." Domingo also warned the online shopping platforms that the FDA will take legal action against them if they continue to sell medicines online. “Kapag syempre makikita naman natin na wala man lang attempt na pigilin ang pagbebenta ng mga ganitong bawal na ibenta online at tuloy-tuloy pa rin na itong ginagawa nilang bawal then we have to file legal complaints against them (If we see that there is no attempt on their part to stop the selling of medicines online and they still continue with this illegal activity, then we have to file legal complaints against them),” he said. Domingo urged the online shopping platforms to police their sellers. “Kailangan naman meron tayong responsibilidad na kung nag-aallow tayo na magbenta ng mga produkto, yung mga produkto na hindi maari or magca-cause ng possible harm or risks sa ating mga kababayan (We should be responsible and ensure that if we allow the selling of products, these products should not cause possible harm or risks to the consumers),” he said. Meanwhile, Domingo said that they imposed a P240,000 fine on a drugstore they found selling medicines online. Its license to operate may be revoked because a drugstore is prohibited from selling medicines online, he said, adding that drugstores are only allowed to sell their products on their store premises. "Kung gusto nyo tumanggap ng (If you want to accept) online orders, you can apply for it as an extra activity with the FDA. But even then, may (it has) limitations iyon. Ordering lamang ang maari (Only ordering can take place online). Yung (the) actual sale and actual exchange nung (of) goods, yung pagtanggap ng pasyente dapat sa botika pa rin kukunin (the patient’s acceptance of the goods should still be at the drugstore)," Domingo said.
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