The Public Prosecution warns: Penalties for selling counterfeit pharmaceutical products
The Public Prosecution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed its firm stance against violations that affect the health security of society, stressing that the system of pharmaceutical and herbal establishments and products was put in place to be an impregnable fortress to protect the consumer and ensure the safety and security of what is traded in medical markets.
The Public Prosecution clarified in its statement that any practices related to the sale, dispensing, or possession of any counterfeit, adulterated, expired, or even unregistered pharmaceutical or herbal product constitute a clear violation and a crime punishable by law, and warrant immediate criminal accountability in accordance with the regulations in force in the Kingdom.
Legal framework and consumer protection
This warning comes within the context of the state's ongoing efforts to regulate the health and pharmaceutical sector. This measure is based on the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Establishments and Products Law, which is the cornerstone of drug market regulation. The law primarily aims to prevent illicit business practices that could profit at the expense of patients' health, as pharmaceutical fraud is considered a crime that judicial and executive authorities will not tolerate.
Health risks and their impact on society
The dangers of dealing in counterfeit or expired medications extend beyond legal concerns, posing a direct threat to public health. Unregistered products may contain toxic chemicals or inaccurate dosages that could lead to serious complications, organ failure, or even death. This underscores the importance of strict regulatory oversight to ensure that all medications reaching consumers have undergone approved safety and efficacy tests by the Food and Drug Authority.
Economic and organizational dimensions
On the economic and national levels, regulating the pharmaceutical market is an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, specifically within the Quality of Life Program. A safe and reliable pharmaceutical market enhances the confidence of citizens and residents in the healthcare system and protects the national economy from the drain on resources in treating the side effects of counterfeit and substandard medications. Furthermore, combating these crimes contributes to protecting compliant pharmaceutical companies and encourages investment in a safe healthcare sector.
shared responsibility
The relevant authorities called on all citizens and residents to ensure the sources of medicines and herbal products, to purchase them only from licensed outlets, and to immediately report any violations that may be observed, so that the community can be an active partner in preserving public health.
