Counterfeit drugs
1. Awareness should be improved of the growing problem of counterfeit drugs in terms of public health, both nationally and internationally.
2. WHO should coordinate the creation of a network of technically-competent officials in order to ensure timely exchange of information, both on cases of counterfeits as well as on countermeasures.
3. WHO should develop a model text for specific and strong legislation. Penalties should be firm enough to have a deterrent effect.
4. WHO should develop indicators, for use within a national drug policy, for estimating the problem of counterfeit drugs.
5. Since many of the problems with counterfeit drugs are similar to those with narcotic drugs, WHO should establish close collaboration with the International Narcotics Control Board.
6. Health authorities should try to monitor free ports more intensively.
7. Collaboration between DRAs and law enforcement agencies should be strengthened.
8. Pharmaceutical companies should be prepared to share their information. This in formation should be handled with due discretion to avoid loss of confidence in genuine products.
9. Companies should be more cautious in sales procedures, with regard to both the purchase of starting materials and the introduction of the products into the distribution chain.
10. Although there is a difference of definition between counterfeit and substandard drugs, WHO and DRAs should concentrate on the prevention of both.