Motsoaledi warns of rise in fake drugs

IN A STARK warning regarding the integrity of South Africa's pharmaceutical landscape, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has unveiled alarming statistics concerning counterfeit and illicit medications.

- HOPE NTANZI

During a recent parliamentary session, he disclosed that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) reported 507 suspected cases of counterfeit drugs in the 2024/25 financial year. Out of these, 110 were confirmed to be counterfeit, highlighting a pressing public health crisis and rampant illegal trading in medicines.

Motsoaledi's revelations come at the behest of EFF MP Thandiswa Marawu, who expressed concerns about the surge of counterfeit pharmaceutical sales across the nation.

Her inquiry broadened into the specifics of the counterfeit crisis, from commonly faked medications to the scope of economic repercussions on both the health sector and legitimate pharmaceutical businesses.