Global Efforts in the Fight Against Counterfeit Medicines

The scale of the issue

Fake drugs remain a serious problem worldwide, facing both developed and developing countries. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 10% of the medical products available in low—and middle-income countries are non-genuine. 

A report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and RNCOS says that around 25% of all drugs in the Indian market are fake drugs, and by that it is greatly undermining the Indian healthcare system's efficiency and safety.

7 measures taken worldwide to tackle the ‘counterfeit’ problem 

Examine in detail the ideal solutions and well-harmonized partnerships between India and the world community which is devised to nullify the problem posed by counterfeiting drugs.

1. Regulatory Strengthening: As a reaction to the fake medicine crisis, India has created significant progress with regulatory systems. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) which comes under the Directorate General of Health Services has emerged as the driving force in raising the compliance bar for more thorough surveillance.

2. Technological Innovations: Technology is the key ingredient in the forefront in abolishing fake (counterfeit) medications. Using new technologies can be a great strategy for Indian startups that use blockchain technology, which can be traced and it is recognized whether medicines are manufactured or consumed. 

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Awareness is essential for opposing counterfeit drugs one of the major battlegrounds. The Indian government has rolled out the many public campaigns to cognize the masses as to how to identify and report fake medicines. Such efforts are reinforced globally through such forums as the WHO's "Fight the Fakes" campaign which ensures information is strategically passed to the masses and medication prescribers worldwide on the threats of fake medicines.

4. Cross-Border Collaborations: Counterfeit medicines are a problem that moves borders, so it needs international collaborations. India have entered actively into the international deals and international cooperation, including with the World Customs Organization and Interpol, to prevent the cross where counterfeited drugs are transported. 

5. Enhanced Legal Frameworks: Legal frameworks on national and international level are intensified to demand punishment of people involved in faked drug trade. India, by the way, amended Drugs and Cosmetics Acts and took some severe penalties on the manufacturers and distributors as those people in the market forgery medicine. These legal changes are very important for reducing a risk of a criminal activity and to provide a legal framework for prosecution and international law enforcement cooperation.

6. Supply Chain Security: Governments, businesses and industries are becoming more proactive in protecting the whole production system – from the raw materials source to the inventory. Examples include tighter licensing regulations, thorough inspections at manufacturing sites and close in attention to imports & exports. Besides that, the global health organizations and major drug manufacturers are joining forces to control the quality and packaging of the pharmaceuticals being supplied all around the world, therefore preventing any fake drugs growing up in the market.

7. Research and Development: Research funding is the most necessary to the process not to lose the position to counterfeiters. These new drugs must be characterized by creation of such novel physical processes that do not allow to replicate drugs and develop the methods of their control. An example is the use of the latest technology like synthetic DNA tags or advanced molecular markers that are part of the medication itself so they can be identified by scanners for authentication.