Illegal drugs seized

Surprise inspections conducted by a combined team from the Department of Public Health, Attorney General’s Office and Department of Public Safety on five health clinics on Saipan revealed that some of these establishments were dispensing controlled substances and possessing medical devices illegally.

This led to the arrest of one Chinese individual suspected of performing unlicensed medical procedure. The Chinese businessman was released pending the filing of appropriate charges. His acupuncture clinic was closed for operating without a sanitary health permit and a medical license.

The inspection was carried out on May 10, 2000 to determine which acupuncture clinics are offering illegal medical procedures or non-FDA approved drugs.

According to Kathy Yukanavage, environmental health officer, the inspection was conducted in accordance with Public Law 11-40, otherwise known as Pure Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Device Act of 1998.

All of the clinics that were visited have been previously inspected and given information about PL 11-40. Health officers confiscated several boxes of illegal drugs, including mislabeled over the counter drugs, and some medical devices such as IV fluid, syringes and needles.

These establishments were closed down in an attempt to curb the importation of illegal drugs and medical devices for which they are not licensed to use. They were also asked to visit BEH office if they needed further information on the intents of the law.

“Any medical procedure no matter how difficult can be hazardous if performed by untrained individual,” said Ms. Yukanavage.

However, some of the acupuncture and health clinics inspected were in compliance which prove that constant communication with BEH officers could prevent further violation.

Owners of these clinics claim nonresident workers seek medical treatment from their establishments in fear that they will be repatriated by their employers if they discovered that they are suffering from certain diseases that are not covered by insurance thus, they shy away from regular health clinics or the Commonwealth Health Center.

At the same time, guest workers who do not speak the English language fluently often rely on illegal clinics if the owners do speak their own language.