Opposition spokesman on Health, Ken Baugh, is investigating the incidence of several items of incorrectly labelled medicines that were distributed locally to patients.

Dr. Baugh, noting that the incidence of incorrectly labelled medicines being on shelves was a "very unusual event", said it must be investigated.

Last week The Star reported that some wrongly labelled and packaged drugs were sent to Jamaica in shipments during May and June 2006. These drugs were purchased and perhaps consumed by the public.

Although the drugs were recalled from the retailers, there is no certainty that all the drugs were recalled before they left the shelves.

"I am very concerned about the report of wrong labelling of drugs. I will seek information from the relevant persons regarding this mix-up," said Dr. Baugh.

The report also stated that, in May 2006, a consignment of inhalers used to treat asthma was ordered from Health 2000 in Canada. The inhalers were procured by Health Corporation, a pharmaceutical company that purchases and distributes drugs on behalf of the Government. The drugs ordered by this company are usually sent to government hospitals and clinics and often distributed to persons on the Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly Programme and the National Health Fund.

Wrong boxes

When the shipment was examined, it was found that the Beclomethasone inhalers were packaged in boxes labelled Salbutamol inhalers these are both used to treat asthmatic conditions, Beclomethasone inhalers are used to prevent attacks, but need to be used often if the treatment is to be effective. These inhalers will not help a patient who is having an attack of breathlessness. Sal-butamol inhalers, on the other hand, are used to treat attacks and work quickly to relieve shortness of breath.

Norman Dunn, president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica, said that stringent measurers are in place to ensure that this mix-up does not recur.

"It is highly unlikely that this problem, not saying that it cannot, as you see, it occurred, will happen again. Patients must be assured that systems are in place to ensure that this does not reoccur," said Mr. Dunn.

The president also appealed to customers to ensure that they receive the correct drugs before leaving the pharmacy.