Latest news with #SFDA
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Riyadh Warehouse Fined SR112,000 For Counterfeit And Mishandled Drugs
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a fine of SR112,000 on a pharmaceutical warehouse in Riyadh and referred the case to the Public Prosecution, after uncovering serious breaches of pharmaceutical regulations. In a statement, the authority explained that the warehouse was found in possession of pharmaceutical products sourced from an unlicensed entity, in clear violation of the rules governing the circulation and distribution of medical products in the Kingdom. Further investigations revealed that the facility transported pharmaceutical items using unapproved methods, failing to meet required standards for handling sensitive medical goods. The SFDA warned that such practices can expose medications to harmful conditions, compromising their efficacy, stability, or safety. The warehouse was also found trading counterfeit pharmaceutical products, which led to the case being referred to the Public Prosecution. These actions fall under violations listed in Paragraph (2) of Article 34 of the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Products Facilities Law. The law stipulates that individuals who sell, dispense, or possess counterfeit, spoiled, expired, or unregistered pharmaceutical or herbal products with intent to trade may face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to SR10 million, or both. The SFDA reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of national health standards and urged all pharmaceutical entities to adhere to licensed sourcing channels and approved transportation methods to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical products distributed across the Kingdom.
Saudi Gazette
20-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA launches awareness campaign for safe use of home medical devices
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use. This campaign aligns with its ongoing commitment to public health and is a key component of its fourth strategic plan. By leveraging digital and social media platforms, the SFDA aims to effectively reach diverse segments of the community, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home environment. In a press statement, the SFDA emphasized the importance of purchasing home medical devices from a licensed supplying facility that offers warranty and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance. It also highlighted the need to verify that the specific medical device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate. Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the SFDA advised consulting a qualified healthcare specialist to select the most appropriate device type for the individual's medical condition. It also underscored the need to review the instructions for proper use and care, and to obtain any necessary training before purchase. The authority also highlighted that the general safe use guidelines include ensuring that instructions for use are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt; keeping devices out of children's and pets' reach to prevent tampering that could affect settings or electrical wiring, and adhering to recommended calibration schedules and periodic maintenance. The SFDA urged the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at or by calling the unified call number 19999.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu's endangered species fund hits a snag; AIWC to now manage ₹50 crore corpus
After the Tamil Nadu Forest Department's plan to safeguard endangered wildlife hit a roadblock, it has been decided to reroute the funds through a different institution. Announced in 2024 with an initial corpus of ₹50 crore, the Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund was initially set to be managed by the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA). However, concerns have emerged after it was found that the SFDA, a body responsible for promoting forestry development, has been largely defunct and inactive for some time. In a government order issued in November 2024, the SFDA was designated as the managing agency for the fund, which was to be initially overseen by the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Foundation. The corpus of ₹50 crore was to be held by the Tamil Nadu Power Finance Corporation or the Tamil Nadu Transport Development Finance Corporation until further arrangements were made, according to the G.O. However, after scrutiny, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, acknowledged that the agency's inability to operate effectively would hinder the fund's intended goals. Ms. Sahu said that upon realising the SFDA's dysfunctional status, there were initial plans to create a new society or trust to manage the fund. However, this process was expected to take at least six months, which would delay the fund's deployment. To address this, the Forest Department has now decided to transfer the responsibility of managing the fund to the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in Vandalur, an institution known for its research and initiatives in wildlife conservation, which has been recently registered as a society. The AIWC has been deemed an ideal candidate to handle the funds efficiently and effectively, according to Ms. Sahu. Key objectives of the fund include surveying, assessing, and mapping threatened species across the State, enhancing conservation efforts both inside and outside protected areas, and building partnerships for the long-term protection of vulnerable species. Soon, the AIWC is expected to invite grant proposals for research on endangered species in the State, including Salim Ali's fruit bat, Malabar Civet, White-rumped vulture, Nilgiris wart frog, White-spotted bush frog, and Anamalai flying frog.
Saudi Gazette
15-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA starts field inspections in preparation for Hajj Season 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — As part of its preparations for the Hajj Season 2025, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has commenced a series of field inspection tours across critical locations and facilities to evaluate the preparedness of inspection teams and oversee the implementation of approved operational plans. Demonstrating the authority's focus on pilgrim welfare, SFDA leadership conducted on-site meetings with inspection teams in both Madinah and Jeddah. These engagements emphasized the significance of each inspector's role, reviewed operational strategies, and proactively addressed potential challenges. The aim is to ensure that teams are well-equipped, responsive, and empowered to execute their duties professionally and diligently. The field visits also included comprehensive inspections of food factories and facilities to verify adherence to health and technical regulations.
Gulf Insider
10-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Riyadh Man Faces Prosecution For Selling Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has referred the representative of a commercial establishment in Riyadh to the Public Prosecution after he was found to be involved in the sale of a counterfeit pharmaceutical product. The act is a direct violation of the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Establishments and Products Law in the Kingdom, which mandates a penalty of up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of SR10 million ($2.6 million), the Saudi Press Agency reported. The SFDA highlighted the importance of strictly adhering to the laws and regulations put in place to ensure the safety and quality of products circulating in the Saudi market. The authority said that violations pose a great risk to the health and safety of consumers, warranting the enforcement of legal penalties against offenders. The SFDA also requested the public's cooperation by reporting any observable violations in establishments under its supervision to the toll-free line 19999, in an effort to strengthen oversight and safeguard public health.
