Samoa pharmacist fearful of street sold health pills
Apia, SAMOA — A prominent local pharmacist is fearful of the health risks to the general public from non-medically approved medications, sold widely on the streets of Apia and around the country.
The worry is on imported pills and other medications supposedly for weight loss and other body ailments, without official medical approval.
The medications are brought in from the Philippines and available locally in large quantities
Niu Pharmacy owner Zhenna Chan Mow-Fa’aiuga cautioned that users must take more care because no one understands, including sellers, what these medications are.
“There haven’t been any scientific studies and scientific evidence to prove that these actually work,” Chan Mow-Fa’aiuga advised.
The rapidly growing use of these unapproved medication is a major concern for the pharmacist, in her 13 years with the pharmaceutical industry.
“What is worrisome is the fact that these pills might mislead people into thinking that they are miracle pills and that they work.
“What they need to know are the side effects.”
Poasa Tuileto’a of Si’usega, who is a seller of the un-prescribed medications, was as for a reaction to selling the un-prescribed medications.
“These tablets have proteins and vitamins and are available for Samoans to treat various diseases,” he argued.
Tuileto’a admitted that while he has no knowledge of the medication whether they are doctor approved, he is confident that the tablets are safe and can cure sicknesses.
Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour ACEO Fepulea’i Roger Toleafoa MCIL clarified that imported products like these health medications are free for sale in the country.