Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has released details of 21 medicines commonly imported and sold in Maldives without approval from the relevant regulatory body.

The authority said all medicines must be registered in accordance with national regulations and included in the approved drug list before they can be imported or sold in the Maldives.

However, MFDA noted that various unregistered pharmaceutical products are still being brought into the country and sold through online platforms and retail shops without proper authorization.

The list includes topical painkillers, as well as medicines used to treat skin conditions, fever, and diabetes.

MFDA warned that the ingredients of these unregistered products cannot be verified and their quality and safety are not guaranteed. It stressed that the import, sale, and use of such medicines is prohibited.

“Importing and selling such unknown drugs and pharmaceutical products is likely to pose unexpected health risks to users,” the authority said in its statement.

The agency has urged the public to seek further information by contacting 7200321.