QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — As the popularity of alternative medicines grows, experts are cautioning consumers about the safety and efficacy of products sold online.
During a recent interview on Impormasyon at Aksyon “Tinig ng Masa” teleradyo program organized by the Philippine Information Agency, Dr. Ma. Teresa Iñigo, Director-General of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare (PITAHC), emphasized the importance of scrutinizing alternative medicine products before purchase.
Dr. Iñigo advised consumers to ensure that any herbal medicine or supplement they consider is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“If a product is FDA-registered, it means it has undergone a thorough evaluation before being made available to the public,” she said.
She urged the public to be wary of products that make broad claims about curing various ailments, as these can often be misleading.
“It’s crucial to study the endorsements of these products,” Dr. Iñigo said. “Some individuals promote supplements as ‘cure-alls,’ which should raise red flags.”
The discussion reflects a growing concern over the regulation of alternative medicines amid the increasing number of online sellers.
Consumers are encouraged to conduct due diligence, verifying the credibility of both the products and their promoters.
In light of these concerns, Dr. Iñigo also mentioned ongoing efforts to expand PITAHC’s regulatory authority.
A proposed bill aims to give the agency greater oversight over traditional and complementary medicine practices, ensuring that products and practitioners meet safety standards.
As more Filipinos turn to alternative remedies, experts stress the need for informed choices to protect public health and safety. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
