No fake vaccines found so far, says Health DG

The Health Ministry will conduct checks from time to time to ensure that no fake vaccines are available in the country.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah inspections conducted revealed that no companies were behind the production of fake vaccines.

"The ministry wants to remind hospitals and private clinics to buy vaccines from authorised suppliers and not to be duped by those offering vaccines at lower price than the licensed suppliers," he said in a statement here today.

The statement was issued folllowing a report issued by Indonesia's Medicine and Food Regulatory Body (BADANPOM), on July 20 about the discovery of fake vaccines in the country.

Subsequently, the Indonesian government took proactive measure by stopping the distribution of the fake vaccines.

Datuk Dr Noor Hisham also warned the public that possessing, selling or supplying unregistered vaccines and fake vaccines is an offence under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 and Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

"If found guilty, a person can be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed up to three years for the first offence, or fined up to RM50,000 or jailed up to five years for the second and subsequent offences."

A company which committed the offence could face a fine up to RM50,000 for first offence or RM100,000 fine for second or subsequent offences, if convicted.

Datuk Dr Noor Hisham urged the public to ask medical practitioners about vaccines given to them, the side effects, and steps to be taken due to the side effects.

The public can contact the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) at 03-78835400 if they have doubts about certain vaccines.