Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour (VSA) Inspectorate of Public Health Pharmaceutical Department, is urging any establishment selling unregistered pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals registered as pharmacy or prescription only other than local pharmacies, to cease the sale of these pharmaceuticals immediately.
During the past months the Inspectorate of Public Health has come across the illegal sale of pharmaceuticals by establishments such as supermarkets and cosmetic stores on the island.
The Inspectorate is also aware of individuals approaching supermarkets and other establishments selling pharmaceuticals.
Please be aware that these persons are operating illegally and that the quality and safety of these pharmaceuticals cannot be guaranteed in the interests of public health. Only licensed pharmaceutical wholesalers are allowed to import (registered) pharmaceuticals (medicines/drugs).
The Inspectorate of Public Health will continue inspecting establishments for the sale of pharmaceuticals on a regular basis and will take the necessary measures if infringements are encountered.
All pharmaceuticals that are imported by licensed pharmaceutical wholesalers come directly from the manufacturer and must undergo evaluation on efficacy, safety and quality by a group of experts prior to import. This process is called the registration of pharmaceuticals.
There are three registration categories for pharmaceuticals;
1. Over the counter: These drugs can be sold freely by anyone under the condition that they are bought from a licensed pharmaceutical wholesaler.
2. Pharmacy only: The sale of these pharmaceuticals are restricted to only pharmacies.
3. Prescription only: These pharmaceuticals can only be sold in pharmacies, upon receipt of a valid prescription from a registered physician on the island of Sint Maarten
Pharmaceuticals that have not undergone this registration process are not allowed to be imported or sold anywhere on the island!
If you have any questions or would like a list of the registered over the counter pharmaceuticals and where these can be bought, please contact the Inspectorate of Public Health at #542-3579/80 or visit the office at Kanaalsteeg #1, third floor of the Diamond Casino building at the head of town.