Awards:
Gold Medalist
Indian Pharmaceutical Association-Maharashtra State Board (IPA-MSB)
For Standing 1st in First year B.Pharm Admission/ CET Topper 180/200
Winner of National level poster presentation "Regulatory Affairs: Medication Health Fraud”
63rd Indian Pharmaceutical Congress, Bangalore, India
Author(s): Prutha Desai1, Gayatri Dabadghao2, S.S Poddar2, Hrishikesh Khatav3
1 Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina, Mumbai-400098, India.
2 Prin. K.M.Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Colaba, Mumbai-400005, India.
3 College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston MA 02115.
Health fraud is the deceptive sale or advertising of products that claim to be effective against medical conditions or otherwise beneficial to health, but which have not been proven safe and effective for those purposes. Health scams can lead patients to delay proper treatment and cause serious and even fatal injuries. Health scams have kept the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies busier in protecting the public health. The objective of the study was to raise issues concerning the deceptive sale of medicines, role of FDA and other agencies in regulating such products, and means to create awareness among people.
The study was conducted using literature obtained via the internet, books and personal interaction. Surveys were conducted and the results were analyzed using statistical procedures. It was observed that 80% of the Medical Fraternity warns their patients against such frauds, 90% are aware of the regulatory agencies and 62.5% have filed a complaint against fraudulent products.65% of the General Public was aware of the term ‘Medication Health Fraud’,60% have been victims to such health frauds and 48% consulted their physicians before buying such products.
Thus it was concluded that the Regulatory Agencies should keep a constant check on products of conventional as well as alternative medicine systems to protect the public health. One must always check with health care professionals before using new medical products. People should be encouraged to report cases of deceptive sale of medicines and health care products to the FDA or other regulatory agencies.