Perils of substandard and counterfeit drugs better medicines for better patient care

Proliferation of sub-standard and counterfeit drugs has become a global issue. The World Health Organisation (WHO), the governments, drug regulatory authorities, patient groups and manufacturers of genuine drugs have been devising ways and means to combat this crime. Lack of pharmacovigilance systems in developing countries makes it difficult to track the spread of sub-standard and counterfeit drugs. According the WHO, 10% of world drug supply is counterfeit. Most of the counterfeit drugs originate in less developed countries. The WHO has developed guidelines to establish national strategies and specific measures to control this menace. Therefore, drug regulatory authorities, patient groups, healthcare organisations and the manufacturers of genuine drugs should join forces and develop effective means to spread this global problem.