Health alert issued over three contaminated medicines manufactured in Thailand

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued a health alert following reports that three medicines manufactured in Thailand contain unsafe levels of harmful chemical substances.

The warning follows a notification circulated by the Southeast Asia Region Network, which identified metformin hydrochloride 750 mg, ranitidine 150 mg, and vitamin A (retinol) 60 mg as exceeding permissible safety limits.

Authorities noted that the contamination may pose health risks, particularly for diabetic patients who regularly rely on such medications.

MFDA clarified that the specific brands identified in the alert have not been officially imported into the Maldives through approved national drug import channels.

Despite this, the authority urged heightened vigilance, especially among individuals who travel to Thailand for medical treatment or purchase medicines abroad.

The public has been advised to exercise caution when using medications obtained overseas and to seek guidance from licensed healthcare professionals to avoid potential health complications.