KRG Health Ministry warns against online medication purchases amid counterfeit concerns
"Most medications and medical products sold online are counterfeit and expired," Dr. Rewend warned.

Jan. 18, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Health has warned citizens to avoid purchasing medications and medical products online, referring to extensive counterfeiting, expiration risks, and a lack of regulatory oversight.
Dr. Govend Rewend, Head of the Medicine Monitoring and Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Health, talked about the increasing issue of online medication sales during an interview on Kurdistan24's morning news program on Saturday.
Dr. Rewend underlined the risks linked with unregulated online drug sales and called on citizens to solely trust licensed pharmacies.
"Most medications and medical products sold online are counterfeit and expired," Dr. Rewend warned.
He further stated that these unlicensed channels, which are often driven by profit rather than public health considerations, posed incredible health risk to the public.
Key Distinctions Between Official and Online Drug Sales
Dr. Rewend charted the central differences between medications sold through official and online channels:
Officially Sold Medications and Medical Products
- Licensed pharmacies, drug warehouses, and merchants are registered with the Ministry of Health.
- Medications carry Ministry of Health stickers and are sold at government-regulated prices.
- Non-compliance with pricing rules by pharmacies leads to penalties, ensuring consumer protection.
Online Sold Medications and Medical Products
- Most medications sold online are counterfeit, expired, or smuggled, primarily from Iraq and Iran.
- Online sellers lack Ministry of Health licenses and pharmaceutical expertise.
- Sales locations and warehouses for online medications are undisclosed, preventing regulatory oversight.
- False information is often printed on packaging, misleading buyers about the authenticity and safety of the products.
Ministry of Health’s Appeal
Dr. Rewend called on citizens to avoid purchasing medications or medical products from unverified online sources, stressing the risks to public health and safety.
“We strongly urge citizens to buy medications solely from licensed pharmacies where quality and compliance are ensured,” he stated.
The Ministry of Health is reportedly accelerating its efforts to monitor and punish those involved in unregulated drug sales, strengthening its commitment to protecting public health in the Kurdistan Region.
Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and report dubious activities related to counterfeit medications to the relevant authorities.
Risks to Public Health
Counterfeit and expired medications can cause grave health complications, including adverse reactions and treatment failures.
By underlining these risks, the Ministry intends to protect citizens from possible life-threatening consequences associated with unregulated online sales.