The Ministry of Health has launched a supervisory campaign against the violation of dispensing weight loss medications without a medical prescription. This is part of its efforts to monitor prescription drugs, enhance patient safety, reduce health risks resulting from unprofessional practices in drug dispensing, and ensure that health practitioners and pharmaceutical facilities comply with approved regulations to protect the health of beneficiaries.
The Ministry warned of the serious potential health effects of using these medications without supervision and a prescription, including increased heart rate, low blood sugar, and pancreatitis. Random or long-term use may also cause chronic health problems such as digestive disorders and a higher risk of weight rebound after stopping treatment.
It called on all members of the community to adhere to sound health practices by consulting a specialist doctor before using weight loss medications and urged them not to buy, use, or consume any medications promoted without an approved prescription. The prescription of these medications must also follow proper medical procedures with an authorized prescription.
The Ministry emphasized the need for all health practitioners and pharmaceutical facilities to comply with instructions and regulatory controls and strictly adhere to drug dispensing regulations. It confirmed that it will continue to carry out supervisory inspections and take regulatory actions against violators, including financial fines and license revocations. It also encouraged reporting any violations or irregularities in the dispensing of these medications to ensure the protection of public health and enhance patient safety.
