LOW-QUALITY drugs cannot benefit users; instead, they can worsen diseases and exacerbate both physical and mental suffering. Therefore, government authorities work to combat the production and distribution of substandard traditional medicines, as well as the import of poor-quality pharmaceuticals, to protect patients’ well-being.
Although some traditional medicines are used in society, it is often unclear whether these products are of good quality. In fact, producers of low-quality traditional medicines commit crimes by distributing these drugs to the public without proper guarantees. These substandard medicines fail to heal patients and may cause harmful side effects. As a result, patients experience both physical and mental harm from using these drugs.
Unscrupulous traditional medicine producers use inappropriate ingredients in their drugs. Although they initially obtain clearance for their products by presenting high-quality drugs to the relevant authorities, they gradually substitute these with a mix of Western medicines and substandard traditional ingredients. As a result, some drugs are overly potent, while others lack effectiveness.
On the other hand, some businesspeople prioritize their own interests over ethical practices. They import low-quality drugs that are unsuitable for patient consumption, disregarding the potential harm to public health. These individuals fail to consider the long-term consequences, such as how their substandard products might undermine the country’s healthcare system. As a result of their malpractice, low-quality drugs spread throughout society, leading to detrimental effects on the nation’s health sector.
All human beings rely on modern medical technology and drugs to alleviate their ailments. However, many still turn to traditional medicines passed down by their ancestors. This is particularly common in certain countries in Asia and Southeast Asia, where traditional medicine is widely practised. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 75-80 per cent of the global population uses traditional medicines, many of which are derived from herbal plants.
However, some unscrupulous businesspersons mix traditional medicines with Western medicine powders and sell them in the market. They lure patients with limited health awareness into using their low-quality drugs, ultimately making these patients victims of exploitation.
Regardless of the circumstances, unscrupulous individuals will face legal action. Law enforcement agencies in various countries are exposing low-quality traditional medicines and substandard imported Western drugs on the market. On one hand, government departments must raise public awareness to help people choose quality medications for both physical and mental health, while also conducting regular inspections of chemist shops to protect the socioeconomic well-being of the population.
