FIP and Counterfeit Medicines
Dear Colleagues,
The issues of counterfeit medicines and of counterfeit medical products are major threats to public health. As you will discover in the “Background information” section, this is unfortunately far from being a problem identified in only a few countries. Through increasing globalisation, the issue of counterfeit medicines has expended vastly, to both developed and developing countries.
In the face of this situation, FIP believes pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists can be a vital asset in assuring the safety of patients through their active participation in the fight against counterfeit medical products. This commitment of the profession is visible through the FIP Statement of Policy on Counterfeit medicines. Not only have pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists shown their commitment, but their national organisations have developed tools and communication campaigns to raise awareness and invigorate the fight against counterfeit pharmaceutical products.
As the global Federation ofpharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, FIP is acutely involved in several international initiatives and makes it an overall goal to share pharmacists’ expertise worldwide. We have also developed tools for FIP Member Organisations to facilitate their involvement and actions against this major public threat.
Together with patients, government, supply chain partners, enforcement officers and the general public, we can protect global health. I invite you to join us in our efforts to take part in this global mobilization.
Dr Michel Buchmann
FIP President
