Venezuela's critical medicine shortage has spurred 'medical flea markets,' where peddlers offer everything from antibiotics to contraceptives laid out among the traditional fruits and vegetables. The local pharmaceutical association estimates at any given time, there is a shortage of around 85 percent of drugs. Around her, Venezuelans asked sellers for medicine to control blood pressure as well as birth control pills. Doctors warn these drugs - usually smuggled in from Colombia, a few hours' drive from Maracaibo - pose risks. Norkis Pabon struggled to find antibiotics for her hospitalized husband to prevent his foot injury from worsening due to diabetes.

Source: Daily Mail December 08, 2017 15:32 UTC