Latest news with #NPRA
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Runaway Domestic Workers And Illegal Employer
The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), in coordination with the Verdict Enforcement Directorate under the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, has apprehended several runaway domestic workers along with an individual who facilitated their illegal employment. According to a statement issued by the NPRA, the arrests follow a thorough investigation prompted by multiple reports concerning workers violating Bahrain's residency and labour laws. Authorities discovered that the individuals had been working illegally on an hourly basis through the assistance of a third party who had been employing them unlawfully. The NPRA confirmed that all parties involved were successfully identified and detained as a result of the coordinated efforts between the agencies. Legal actions have been taken against the violators, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and judicial proceedings. The NPRA reiterated its commitment to upholding Bahrain's residency and labour regulations, and warned against harbouring or employing workers in violation of the law, emphasizing that such offences will be met with strict legal action. Also read: Eid Al Adha: Six-Day Holiday In Bahrain
The Star
7 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry offers free Tdap vaccination for pregnant women
PUTRAJAYA: The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation from Monday (May 26), says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad ( pic ). He added that the Tdap vaccination was offered at all Health Ministry primary health facilities that provide nationwide maternal health services. "This vaccine is aimed at providing early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough) before completing the vaccination schedule. "International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby," he said at the National-Level Immunisation Day celebration held here on Monday (May 26). He said that although the ministry does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are strongly encouraged to do so. He said that in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the ministry had also launched the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens on Feb 18, targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness. Dzulkefly said that as of Sunday (May 25), 97,355 senior citizens had received the influenza vaccine at ministry facilities. Meanwhile, he said that the national immunisation policy was regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines and, as such, emphasised that all vaccines used in Malaysia have undergone rigorous efficacy and safety assessments by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and are continuously monitored by the ministry. "There is a growing concern regarding the false dissemination of fake news and information, and this undermines public confidence. I understand that some parents are still unsure. "I urge everyone to always refer to official sources because our decision today will affect the health of future generations," he said. – Bernama
The Star
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Check if medicines are real
PETALING JAYA: School teacher S. Anandi bought a supplement from an online platform because it was RM20 cheaper than the retail price at a pharmacy. The supplement turned out to be counterfeit although it looked identical to the original product. She said the supplement bought online even came with a fake hologram. She used an app called FarmaChecker which can scan product holograms on health-related products. The FarmaTag hologram on genuine supplements is a stamp from the Health Ministry as proof that a product has been registered and approved by the local health authorities. The app Anandi used could not read the hologram sticker on the supplement. This means the hologram is fake and not approved by the Health Ministry. 'I bought the supplement because it was cheaper online. But upon scanning it, I discovered that the product was fake,' she said. The online health supplement market is flooded with counterfeit products. Sellers even create replicas of the hologram, said industry sources. Despite the Health Ministry having moved from the Meditag to the FarmaTag hologram which has better security features, the sale of counterfeit and illicit pharmaceutical products is showing no sign of slowing down. 'Holograms can be duplicated and we have seen them over the years, even from the Meditag days. Some illegal health product sellers even use a replica of the old Meditag hologram. 'Recently, there is a trend where sellers would mix their own supplement powders and pills. Some of these powders are filled with sugar and that is worrying. 'To the Health Ministry's credit, it has been carrying out crackdowns on many unregistered and illicit products over the years,' said a source, adding that the illegal trade is still flourishing. 'Many consumers are unaware of an app to check whether the health supplements are genuine or not. 'In fact, some people don't even bother to check whether the product they have purchased is authentic. They get swayed by claims that it works. 'More awareness and education campaigns should be carried out on the use of holograms and National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) registration numbers. 'Maybe the authorities should think of a new authentication method such as QR code,' the source said. Consumers can download the NPRA Product Status app to check the status of Pharmaceutical Product Registration and Cosmetic Notification Status. The Health Ministry used the Meditag hologram supplied by Syarikat Mediharta Sdn Bhd from 2005 until Aug 31, 2019. The hologram was supplied to manufacturers and importers licensed by the ministry to ensure there was no abuse. It was later replaced with FarmaTag produced by Syarikat Techno Secure Print Sdn Bhd. Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild honorary secretary Rachel Gan advised the public to use the FarmaChecker app to check the authenticity of a product if they feel suspicious about it. 'Always buy from legitimate sellers like pharmacies or clinics, instead of unknown sellers on e-commerce platforms,' she added. Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association president Datuk Dr M. Rajen said there are concerns over the authenticity, safety, shelf life and possible side effects of the supplements sold on online platforms. 'As an industry, we welcome the use of holograms. But there have been concerns on their viability to prevent abuse. Often, while the companies are paying for the holograms, some consumers are unaware about the benefits of the holograms,' he added. He called for a ban on the sale of health supplements online as what is done for certain medicines. 'You cannot buy your pharmaceuticals online but you can buy your supplements online,' he said, adding that this is a regulation loophole that needs to be looked into. General practitioner Dr Roland Victor said fake medications or supplements often contain ineffective ingredients that pose a danger to health or unsuitable for local consumption. 'We have seen cases of certain coffee powders being promoted as a natural supplement for men's health but were found to contain controlled substances like sildenafil, the active ingredient in erectile dysfunction drugs,' he said. 'Sellers of counterfeit supplements may exploit the image of genuine doctors in their advertisements and claim that they are endorsing their products.'
The Star
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Beware exaggerated claims for online supplements
PETALING JAYA: The growing trend of buying medicine and supplements online is putting consumers at risk of serious health complications, say experts. While some consumers know what they're taking, others have no idea what they may have consumed. 'That's where the danger lies,' said Malaysian Chinese Medical Association president Heng Aik Teng. 'If you're buying something for consumption, especially medicine, don't go by price alone. 'A higher price often includes professional consultation and safety. 'It's not worth risking your health just to save a few ringgit,' he said. Heng said the Health Ministry has implemented a system to check whether health supplements are approved. 'Every registered medicine has a MAL number. Just go to the NPRA (National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency) website and key in the MAL number to check if the product is approved.' He warned that some online platforms, especially those hosted overseas, may not be traceable. 'If something goes wrong, how will you trace the source? The IP address may be foreign, and that makes enforcement nearly impossible,' he said. He added that some supplements may have harmful ingredients or side effects if taken for the long term, especially when bought without seeking medical advice. Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations Malaysia (FCPAAM) president Ng Po Kok said many online medicinal products often come with exaggerated or misleading claims. 'The public cannot easily distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products, especially when they appear similar to those sold in licensed stores,' he said. Ng said there has been a surge in counterfeit or unregistered drugs being marketed as health supplements, especially when the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns triggered a shift in people's shopping behaviour. Some products, he warned, may contain hidden ingredients such as steroids, which can offer immediate relief but can lead to long-term complications like kidney failure or swelling. 'Painkillers marketed for rheumatism, for example, may initially seem effective but can cause severe side effects after just a few months,' he said. Ng urged the government to move beyond traditional enforcement against physical stores and establish a dedicated online monitoring unit to verify the safety and legality of medicines sold on digital platforms. He warned that some sellers go as far as forging certificates or registration numbers, which is why consumers must verify product details themselves with the Health Ministry. Malaysian Association of Traditional Indian Medicine president Vaidyar Raggupathi said that some traditional or complementary health products are registered and approved by the authorities. 'For example, products must carry a proper sticker to show they're registered with the pharmaceutical authority in Malaysia. But when it comes to online products, that's often missing,' he said. He warned of the potential dangers of prolonged use of certain herbal remedies without proper knowledge. 'Take neem, for example. It's bitter in nature and is often promoted as a blood purifier. 'While it may help with certain skin issues, it can be dangerous for those with low haemoglobin. Prolonged use without guidance can worsen their condition,' he said.
Daily Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Consular and welfare services
His Excellency Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, met H.E. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), Ministry of Interior, Bahrain and discussed issues concerning consular and welfare matters of Indian community.
