Roszdravnadzor warned of the risk of acquiring counterfeit medicines

The shortage of certain drugs in pharmacies has caused a wave of fraud related to the online sale of scarce drugs of inadequate quality. The Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor) warned about this.

Roszdravnadzor acknowledged that now pharmacies may experience a shortage of some drugs that are in high demand. The department explained this by the logistical problems of suppliers and manufacturers.

Fraudsters and unscrupulous organizations took advantage of the current situation, offering to purchase scarce medicines with an advance payment of 50 or even 100 percent. At the same time, drugs may be offered at unreasonably high or suspiciously low prices. In the first case, we are talking, most likely, about banal speculation for the purpose of profit, in the second, there is a high probability of acquiring a fake.

Roszdravnadzor does not recommend purchasing medicines from resellers.

“By resorting to such services, citizens risk, at best, financial resources, and at worst, their health,” the ministry said in a statement.

Roszdravnadzor also assured that the situation with the shortage of medicines is being resolved and their regular supplies will soon be established.

“Distributors are taking measures to change logistics routes and prompt delivery of drugs to pharmacy organizations,” the department noted.

In particular, now pharmacies may lack certain drugs that are used to treat acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as some autoimmune and oncological diseases.

If you have any questions, you can contact the hotline of Roszdravnadzor on observance of the rights of citizens in the field of health protection by calling toll-free 8 (800) 550-99-03.

Alena Bodrienko.

Photo by Moscow agency