UAE introduces counterfeit drug detector

The UAE has introduced a new device that can detect fake or low-quality drugs in a matter of seconds.

The TruScan RM Analyser, a 900-gram device, was unveiled by the Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday.

TruScan uses Raman spectroscopy, allowing it to produce chemical fingerprints of cells, tissues and bio fluids. The device produces accurate, reliable and rapid verification of chemical compounds, according to official news agency WAM.

The hand-held device holds a database with significant information, enabling it to identity and verify drugs.

It also ensures that drug inspection is performed without the risk of contamination or exposure, the WAM report stated.

Patients suffering from chronic diseases including cancer and heart ailment can benefit from the high-tech device.

According to the ministry’s assistant under-secretary for Public Policy and Licencing, Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, the device is available at Abu Dhabi Airport, Abu Dhabi Post, the border points in Al Ain and Dubai International Airport.

Al Amiri noted that the ministry will be organising workshops and training programmes for drug inspectors to ensure proper device usage. They will also compile an updated medicine database that will feature the details of all local veterinary and human drugs.

TruScan is widely used by international organisations including the US Food and Drug Administration and the Saudi Food and Drug Administration.

The introduction of the device falls under the UAE’s ongoing mission to fight counterfeit medicines in the local market. Al Amiri said the country has established preventive measures, built a quality-control laboratory and is conducting research on medical and health products.

The UAE now stands as one of the world’s leading countries fighting fake drugs, according to reports from the Uppsala Medical Monitoring Centre of the WHO.