KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – The Ministry of Health is warning people against purchasing drugs from people who claim to have a cure for erectile dysfunction and warned it was prepared to take legal action to put a halt to such practices.
The statement by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, said it had been informed that “a man from Union Island who is not a pharmacist, and who has no such qualification nor is registered with the Pharmacy Counsel” is advertising and selling the drugs.
It said it had informed the person, William Newson, that his actions were “both illegal and unethical.
“Additionally, Mr Newson was told to discontinue this practice with immediate effect and issued an official letter from the drug inspector’s office.”
The authorities said that Section 27: (8)(a) of the Pharmacy Act states, “No prescription drug set out in the Regulations made under this Act shall be sold except by a pharmacist under a prescription issued by a medical practitioner, dentist or veterinary practitioner.”
The Ministry of Health said it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure safety and best practices are observed and maintained to all members of the society.
It warned that “failure by Mr Newson to cease and desist from such illegal activities with immediate effect can result with him being arrested and charged.
“The Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment is advising person not to purchase any drug from persons or agencies who are not authorized to do so and if any of these persons are identified to report them to the Ministry of Health,” the statement said.