This year’s World Patient Safety Day’s theme is: Improving diagnosis for patient safety - Get it right, make it safe. While diagnosis is key to a patient’s care and treatment, it’s imperative we raise awareness on an issue of grave concern – counterfeits and patient safety.
In today's interconnected world, the proliferation of counterfeit medicines poses a grave threat to patient safety. The production, distribution and sale of counterfeit drugs not only undermines the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry but also jeopardises the health and well-being of countless individuals.
We must join forces to combat this illicit trade and protect patients from the potentially devastating consequences of counterfeit medicines.
Counterfeit medicines are not mere replicas of genuine products; they are often laced with harmful substances that can have severe adverse effects on patients. These substances may include dangerous allergens, heavy metals or other toxic compounds, leading to serious health complications and even death.
Patients unknowingly consuming counterfeit drugs are exposed to a myriad of risks, ranging from serious adverse reactions to drug resistance and contamination.
A research project recently reported that a fifth of medicines in Africa could be substandard or fake, raising the alarm over a problem that is estimated to be contributing to 500,000 deaths a year in sub-Saharan Africa.
Counterfeit medicines may also result in higher healthcare costs, as patients may require additional treatment to deal with the potential adverse effects of ineffective or damaging drugs.
Falsified medicines are manufactured under substandard conditions, lacking the necessary hygiene and quality controls. As a result, they may contain impurities or exceed microbial contamination limits, putting patients at risk of poisoning and infections.
The absence of proper dosage guidelines, side effect information and contraindications further compound the dangers associated with counterfeit medicines. Patients may unknowingly misuse these drugs, leading to incorrect usage, potential drug interactions and inadequate monitoring of their health.
Counterfeit antibiotics and antimalarial drugs contribute to the development of drug-resistant strains of microbes. Mid-August, the African Union and the Africa CDC launched a landmark report on antimicrobial resistance that revealed AMR as a leading cause of death in Africa, surpassing fatalities from malaria, TB and HIV.
This alarming consequence not only hampers the effectiveness of treatment but also poses a significant public health threat. Patients who rely on counterfeit medicines may find themselves in a vicious cycle of ineffective management of their medical conditions, exacerbating their health issues and prolonging their suffering.
To ensure patient safety and protect public health, we must take decisive action against counterfeit medicines. Collaboration between regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical industry stakeholders and the public is essential to curbing this illicit trade.
Firstly, regulatory agencies must promote standardisation and uniformity of requirements for the importation, distribution and sale of medicines. Stricter enforcement of intellectual property rights and the prohibition of unauthorised dealers trading in medicines are vital steps in safeguarding patient safety.
Secondly, the pharmaceutical industry must actively engage in ensuring reliable access to safe, effective and quality medicines. By implementing stringent quality controls and supporting initiatives that raise awareness about counterfeit medicines, the industry can play a pivotal role in protecting patients.
Lastly, public awareness and education campaigns are crucial in empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing accurate information about the risks associated with counterfeit medicines, individuals can actively participate in safeguarding their own well-being.
If unsure, patients or end users should contact the supplier to confirm if the product is genuine. Importers, distributors and wholesalers with access to health authorities should also verify this information before selling the products.
The fight against counterfeit medicines is not just a battle for the pharmaceutical industry; it is a fight for the safety and well-being of patients worldwide. The risks posed by counterfeit drugs are too great to ignore, and the consequences can be devastating.
By joining forces, we can create a united front against this illicit trade, ensuring that patients receive the safe and effective treatments they deserve. Let us prioritise patient safety and work together to eradicate counterfeit medicines from our healthcare systems, protect lives and restore trust in the pharmaceutical industry.
Chairperson, Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry, and the Regulatory Affairs manager at Reckitt Benckiser
