Do Not Buy ARVs from the Black Market, Health Department Warns Public
Health authorities have issued a stern warning against buying prescription medicines, including antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, from unregulated sources.
The alert comes after boxes of drugs were discovered in the wreckage of a fatal bus crash near Makhado.
Officials say such medicines may be counterfeit, expired, or contaminated — posing serious, potentially life-threatening risks to users.
Also Read: HIV Drugs (ARVs) Found in Drinking Water in South Africa
Counterfeit and Dangerous Drugs Pose Serious Risk
Speaking to Kaya 959, Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale highlighted the dangers of distributing and buying prescribed medicines from unauthorized sources.
“Some of these products may be counterfeit, stolen, contaminated, expired, and harmful,” said Foster Mohale.
Warning Comes After Deadly Bus Crash
The alert follows a probe after boxes of ARVs and other prescription medications were discovered in the wreckage of a cross-border bus that crashed on the N1 near Makhado, killing at least 43 people and injuring many others.
Authorities are treating the site not only as an accident scene but also as a potential location for pharmaceutical smuggling.
Strict Rules on Carrying Medicines
ARVs, which are used to manage HIV, are tightly regulated and often trafficked due to their high value and demand.
Mohale clarified that individuals are allowed to carry only medicines prescribed specifically for them, and only in the quantities authorised by a healthcare professional.
“Individuals are only allowed to carry a certain quantity of scheduled medicines that have been prescribed for them and are required for their treatment. Thus, carrying more such medicines than prescribed without authorisation is prohibited and illegal.
“Legally, you are only permitted to possess and carry the quantity of medicine you have been prescribed by an authorised prescriber,” he added.