MUSCAT – “If you are offered two devices that look identical, would you be able to identify which one is safe?” the Ministry of Health asked as part of its awareness campaign, encouraging the public to share what they check before purchasing a medical device or accessory.
The ministry is using the campaign to highlight the risks associated with counterfeit and low-quality medical products that may compromise safety and effectiveness.
The ministry explained that counterfeit medical devices are products that misrepresent their identity, origin, composition or specifications, often manufactured and distributed to deceive consumers for financial gain. Substandard products, meanwhile, fail to meet required quality standards due to issues such as poor manufacturing practices or inadequate quality control.
The ministry advised consumers to watch for warning signs, including poor packaging, missing information such as product names, country of origin and usage instructions, unclear labels, faded materials, printing errors, or the absence of the original manufacturer’s logo.
Other indicators include missing warranties or after-sales support, the lack of verifiable serial or operating numbers, differences between the product and the manufacturer’s official specifications, and improper storage conditions or expired products.
The ministry recommended checking medical device packaging, labels, manufacturing quality, serial numbers, expiry dates and storage conditions before purchase. Consumers should also verify whether the product is subject to safety alerts or recalls.
The Ministry of Health encouraged the public to report any concerns or suspected issues related to medical devices by contacting vigilance-md@moh.gov.om.