WHO/EURO reviews UK NICE

At the request of the UK Government, the WHO/EURO Pharmaceuticals Programme is undertaking an external review of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, (NICE), the body responsible for evaluating medicines to be paid for through the country’s National Health Service. The final report, with recommendations on methods and procedures in the complex technology appraisal process, will be available on the EURO website.

Reform and development of pharmaceutical education in the Central Asian Republics

The 7th meeting of the Network on Reform and Development of Pharmaceutical Education in the Central Asian Republics took place in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, on the 7th and 8th of July 2003. The meeting brought together deans of the schools of pharmacy and the relevant experts in the ministries of health to discuss further development of university pharmaceutical education.

Final inspection of Russian TB drug manufacturers

In July, the last joint inspection by the team of international and Russian GMP inspectors assessed two Russian manufacturing sites for compliance with WHO GMP standards, with a positive outcome. Inspection of the other two TB drug manufacturers resulted in recommendations on the required corrective actions to improve compliance. The inspections were carried out with a view to the possible participation of Russian TB drug manufacturers in the international competitive bidding for the procurement of TB drugs within the World Bank AIDS/TB project in Russia.

Access to HIV/AIDS medicines reviewed in Romania

Romania has approximately 6000 AIDS patients, and in May a joint mission of WHO/HQ, WHO/EURO Pharmaceuticals and the HIV/AIDS Programme visited the country to review the level of access to HIV/AIDS medicines. Romania is one Central European country that has made a firm commitment to treat its AIDS patients, and its negotiations with pharmaceutical companies have resulted in price reductions, with all patients now receiving ARV treatment.