Lima, January 26, 2026 – Four pharmacies near the Hipólito Unanue hospital in The augustinian district have been shuttered after authorities discovered a disturbing pattern: the sale of expired, unregistered, and improperly stored medications. This isn’t just a regulatory issue; it’s a direct threat to public health, and a stark reminder to be vigilant about where you fill your prescriptions.
Expired Drugs and Risky Practices Discovered
A recent crackdown revealed alarming conditions at several pharmacies serving a vulnerable patient population.
- Authorities intervened in four pharmacies near Hipólito Unanue hospital.
- Expired, unregistered, and improperly stored medications where found.
- The Ministry of Health is urging citizens to only purchase medications from authorized pharmacies.
- Improper disposal of expired medications poses an environmental and health risk.
The operation,conducted by the Ministry of health through the General Directorate of Medicines,Supplies and Drugs (Digemid) and the Directorate of Integrated Health Networks (Said) Lima Este,targeted establishments in a high-traffic area frequented by patients and their families. Inspectors found multiple violations of current health regulations, according to Vanessa Brigada, head of the Digemid Anti-illegal Trade Team. The immediate closures were enacted to protect the public from potential harm.
What are the dangers of taking expired or improperly stored medication? Consuming such products can lead to reduced efficacy, meaning the medication may not work as intended. More seriously,degraded medications can produce harmful substances and cause adverse reactions or even poisoning. Digemid emphasizes that obtaining medications only from authorized pharmacies and under the guidance of a qualified pharmacist is crucial. Digemid warns that illegally sourced medications lack quality control and can pose serious health risks, including adverse reactions and poisoning.
Safe Medication Disposal is Key
Digemid advises against discarding expired or unused medications in household trash, as they could be illegally recycled and reintroduced into the market. Instead, citizens are encouraged to utilize the Ministry of Health’s designated collection points for safe disposal. Accepted items include expired medications, those without expiration dates (like tablets and capsules), and those in damaged containers.
Citizens can also report the illegal sale of medications anonymously through the Digemid web portal (www.digemid.minsa.gob.pe), bolstering surveillance and protecting public health.
