World Anti Counterfeiting Day Puts Spotlight on Fake Medicines
Washington, D.C. (June 7, 2012) – Marv Shepherd, PhD, president of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, today released the following statement marking World Anti Counterfeiting Day:
“The criminals that market and distribute fake medicines are the worst kind of counterfeiters. By knowingly selling products that are harmful and potentially deadly, drug counterfeiters pose a serious health threat to patients worldwide. Far worse than the petty criminals who peddle knockoff handbags or sunglasses, counterfeiters are increasingly succeeding at polluting our drug supply chain and putting lives at risk to make a quick buck.
On this day, those of us fighting the battle against fake medicines and the dangers they pose are united in our resolve and determination to put an end to the trafficking of counterfeit drugs. Too many lives have been lost and too many innocent victims robbed, with far too few perpetrators driven out of business or off to jail. It’s time to shine a light on this problem and educate people the world over about this threat and what they can do to protect themselves.
We are also encouraged on World Anti Counterfeiting Day by the actions taken at the recent G8 Summit and the Camp David Declaration. President Obama and the G8 leaders recognize that a rise in counterfeit medicines could perpetuate a global health crisis, and we applaud them for their commitment to eradicating this problem once and for all. PSM stands with them and all others who wish to see counterfeit medicines become a thing of the past.”
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