Experts: Avoid buying unregistered medical items

PETALING JAYA: Unregistered medical devices such as condoms and contact lenses are being sold alongside legal ones, making it difficult for unsuspecting consumers to tell them apart.

Experts are warning consumers against using unregistered medical items as they may pose health risks.

Checks on the Medical Device Authority’s (MDA) search engine showed that some of these items did not even display a registration number.

Consultant urologist and clinical Assoc Prof Dr George Lee said unapproved condoms are among the items commonly found in unregulated online shopping platforms.

According to him, counterfeit condoms are manufactured under unhygienic conditions without adherence to industry standards and are of doubtful quality.

“Many studies show that unhygienic items can cause irritation and skin infections.”

Dr Lee also said counterfeit medical devices such as fake blood lancets and catheters could cause unnecessary infections because they are not sterile.

“Other counterfeit products such as blood pressure and glucose machines can also give false assurance due to inaccurate readings.

“This will result in worsening diabetes and hypertension conditions in victims, ultimately resulting in death in severe cases,” he added.

Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Amrahi Buang said the MDA under the Health Ministry is the best platform to ascertain the safety and authenticity of such products before one makes a purchase.

He also said public awareness on the topic is crucial and pharmacists themselves would be apt to advise Malaysians on purchasing medical devices.

“It is very important for people to go to the pharmacy and speak to pharmacists in charge.

“It is also very crucial for us to go to a quality pharmacy as they are regulated. We can then ensure all legal requirements are adhered to,” Amrahi said.

He also said that Malaysians are welcome to check whether the pharmacies that they frequent are verified by MPS.

“We help the community to ensure they get the right information.”

Meanwhile, Amrahi said Malaysians can lodge complaints or provide feedback about local healthcare services through the Public Complaints Management System.

For complaints against medical devices, he said Malaysians could lodge reports via MDA’s website.