Herbal stores in Taif and Al-Hurmah have turned their trade to selling drugs and cosmetics without compliance to health regulations. This poses great risk to consumers who explain the absence of regulatory control over these stores due to a power struggle between the municipality and the Ministry of Health. Abdullah Subaie, a resident, charged that counterfeit medicines as well as lotions and creams are being sold in herbal stores. “The situation has got worse and lately they have been selling pills, some which they claim increases weight while touting others that are claimed to magically reduce weight,” he said. Subaie noted that these pills were in high demand by both men and women despite being sold at high prices, and wondered which official agency was in charge of monitoring such fraud. He added that, “There are complications resulting from herbal drugs that we often use, especially those that are sold as herbs, and there are no warnings or labels on these popular mixes which makes me wonder who is responsible for these omissions.” Another resident, Badr Shareif said that sometimes he purchases medication from herbalists, pointing out that the medications are sold at lower prices than at pharmacies, which makes him wonder about the validity of the medication. “In developed countries, such stores are not allowed to sell any medical products or baby food because they require appropriate environmental conditions. Many of the owners of herbal stores turn off air conditioners when the shop is closed in order to save a few riyals and this causes damage to baby food and medications which they continue to sell,” Shareif said. “That is why we urge the respective authorities, including the municipality and the Ministry of Health, to follow-up on this issue. One of my relatives also complained of a bad skin reaction after using a moisturizer she had bought at the herbal store. The dermatologist whom she visited afterwards told her that the rash was a result of using medication with unproven qualities.” Muhiedin Muhammed, a pharmacist, confirmed that all drugs sold in pharmacies are priced by the Ministry of Health, which punishes any pharmacist who does not adhere to the price specified on the pack. Drugs are being sold in other outlets at lower prices are often adulterated and counterfeit, he warned. An official in the Directorate of Health Affairs in Taif stated that control over herbal drugs sold in commercial stores is under the authority of the municipality, noting that the Ministry of Health has prohibited the selling of drugs and potions outside pharmacies unless they are approved, licensed, registered and their composition is clearly labeled before allowing them to be sold. — SG __
