A new report from International Policy Network details the shocking burden of fake drugs in less developed countries. Fake tuberculosis and malaria drugs alone are estimated to kill 700,000 people a year. That’s equivalent to four fully laden jumbo jets crashing every day.
The report lays bare the ballooning problem of counterfeit and substandard drugs, which can constitute one third of the drug supply in certain African countries. These dodgy drugs result in unnecessary death and increased levels of drug resistance.
Cybercriminals Take Advantage of Swine Flu Buzz, Sell Fake Drugs
Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the swine flu buzz to sell counterfeit drugs and steal credit card details, Internet security experts have warned.
Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the swine flu buzz to sell counterfeit drugs and steal credit card details, Internet security experts have warned.
• Nearly half the drugs sold in Angola, Burundi, and the Congo are substandard
• About two thirds of artesunate (anti-malaria) drugs in Laos, Myanmar Cambodia and Vietnam contain insufficient active ingredient
• Most fake drugs originate from China and India
Current attempts to deal with the problem through tougher regulation and criminal penalties do not address the root causes of counterfeiting. Worse, many countries have corrupt regulatory and legal systems that are easily exploited by criminal counterfeiters, so additional rules will only increase corruption.
Chinese Counterfeiting Gangs Flood Britain With Fake Drugs
Counterfeiting gangs based in China are flooding British markets with fake drugs.
Counterfeiting gangs based in China are flooding British markets with fake drugs.
The report stresses that what is needed are effective mechanisms to enable purchasers of drugs to be assured that what they are buying is the real thing. Identity preservation systems using unique codes verifiable through a simple text message are one possible solution. More effective trademark systems would also help.
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Fake Drugs Worth 6.6 Million Dlrs Seized In Asia: Interpol
Police across Southeast Asia have arrested 27 people and seized 6.6 million dollars worth of counterfeit anti-HIV drugs, antibiotics, and other medicines, Interpol said Tuesday.
Police across Southeast Asia have arrested 27 people and seized 6.6 million dollars worth of counterfeit anti-HIV drugs, antibiotics, and other medicines, Interpol said Tuesday.
Source-Medindia
SRM
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Pak Province may Lift Ban on New Drug Stores and also Revise Licensing Rules to Combat Fake Drugs
Pak province, Sindh, may lift ban on new drug stores and revised rules to combat fake drugs are in the offing.
Pak province, Sindh, may lift ban on new drug stores and revised rules to combat fake drugs are in the offing.
