WHO urges international action against fake drugs
|
|
The World Health Organization (WHO) appealed on Tuesday for international action against fake and mislabelled medicines, estimated to account for 10 percent of drugs sold worldwide.
In a statement issued ahead of a high-level meeting of regulatory, pharmaceutical industry and consumer representatives in Rome, the United Nations health agency said that a global task force ought to be set up to fight drug counterfeits.
“People don’t die from carrying a fake handbag or wearing a fake t-shirt. They can die from taking a counterfeit medicine,” said Howard Zucker, WHO assistant director-general for health technology and pharmaceuticals.
The Geneva-based agency warned drug counterfeiting is an increasingly sophisticated and lucrative business, which could virtually double to be worth $75 billion by 2010.
It urged customs, police and drug enforcement agencies to share more information on fake drugs and their distribution methods to shut down international networks.
Barcoding medicines, increasing surveillance methods and improving patient and healthcare worker education could also help ensure fewer people take fake medicines, which can lead to drug resistance and death, the WHO said.
Print Version
Tell-a-Friend comments powered by Disqus
