The Health Products Association of South Africa has been asked to regulate their complimentary medicines for consumers. Complimentary medicines are any medicines that work in conjunction with the main medication being prescribed.
The government has enforced a national health policy ruling on all complimentary medicines. This includes vitamins, supplements and minerals. The Department of Health and the Medicines Control Council have worked closely with the Health Products Association for more than 30 years to achieve regulators.
On 15 November, 2013, the Minister of Health published amendments to the general regulations in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965, pertaining to complimentary medicines. These were followed by guidelines of implementation.
These regulations, modelled on an allopathic system, are in contrast with the agreements between Health Products Association, Department of Health and the Medicines Control Council.
When it comes to regulating alternative medicines, Norman Fels of the Health Products Association of Southern Africa said if their products are not registered by a certain time, they will lose their place on the shelves in pharmacies. He explained that every complimentary medicine needs to insert a leaflet with indications any side effects. Each product must advise consumers when suitable to use and when to avoid when taking other medicine. “The freedom of choice of healthcare has become limited. Complimentary medication comes from ages of wisdom and experience. To what extent will they be available?” asked Fels. He said this is not a long term concern, but an immediate crisis.
“The association is, and always has been, in favour of an appropriate regulatory framework for the Complementary Alternative Medicines Industry. It stands by and supports the values of safety, quality, efficacy and honest advertising,” said Fels.
