Shadow Health Minister Kathy Michelmore today urged Government to ensure counterfeit drugs don’t make their way into Bermuda after plans were announced to allow prescription imports from Brazil, India and Israel.Senator Michelmore said some of those countries don’t have appropriate controls to stop fake drugs being produced, and warned the Island needs to ensure such products don’t reach the Island.She accused Government of failing to consult with local pharmacists before widening the list of countries from which prescription pharmaceuticals can be imported, through an amendment to the Designated Countries Order in the Pharmacy and Poisons Act of 1979.Health Minister Zane DeSilva says the move is intended to reduce the cost of medications in Bermuda.Sen Michelmore said during today’s Motion to Adjourn in the Senate: “We must balance the need to reduce the costs and defer against the very real threat of counterfeit medication.”Referring to Brazil, India and Israel, she said: “Some of those countries don’t have appropriate controls to ensure that they are genuine drugs.”For the full story, see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.