More issues with Indian manufactured medicines, MFDA issues caution

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued another public advisory following an alert by India's main drug regulator CDSCO highlighting quality issues with 16 medications.

MFDA said they have conducted an evaluation to confirm whether any of the medications on the list were imported into the country. While none of the medicines were found to have been brought into the country via official channels, the Authority urges public caution. They highlighted that India is frequented by Maldivians for medical treatment and some bring in medications for their personal use.

The medications are:

- Pulmosil (Sildenafil Injection)

- Pantocid (Pantoprazole Tablets IP)

- Ursocol 300 (Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets IP)

- Telma H (Telmisartan 40 mg and Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg Tablets IP)

- Deflazacort Tablets (Defcort 6 Tablets)

- Paziva -40

- Pantomed -40

- Cefiximine Oral Suspension IP (Dry Syrup)

- Moxymed CV

- Frusemide Injection IP 20 mg

- Kudajarishtam

- Tab Nodosis

- Haridrakhandam

- Pantoprazole Inj. BP 40 mg

- Yogaraja Guggulu

- PANCEF-OF

Just yesterday MDFA issued an advisory regarding another 48 problematic medications manufactured in India, considered to be either not of required quality, spurious, adulterated or misbranded.

At this time, MDFA has announced that the authority is working to strengthen inspections at ports through which medicines are brought into the country.

"As a precautionary measure, we will continue to strengthen inspections at ports importing drugs into Maldives and take all necessary measures to prevent the entry of such drugs," MFDA's alert yesterday said.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact MFDA at 7200321 for any further information regarding medications.