Partnership for Safe Medicines Praises G8 Action to Combat Drug Counterfeiting
Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2012) – Marv Shepherd, PhD, president of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, today released the following statement regarding news that global leaders at the G8 Summit have addressed the growing threat posed by counterfeit medicines:
“The commitment to combat rogue online pharmacies made at this past weekend’s G8 Summit reinforces the need to work across borders to ensure that drug counterfeiters are deprived of any opportunity to prey upon innocent patients. PSM applauds this bold step and looks forward to working closely with the U.S. government and governments across the world in leading this effort.
Drug counterfeiters are among the lowest form of criminals. They disproportionately target our poor and elderly citizens, those most likely to fall victim to their promises of cheap medicines. Unfortunately, there have been far too many instances in recent years of patients becoming sick or dying after purchasing what they thought were legitimate prescription drugs. By tackling the issue head on, President Obama and the other G8 leaders are putting these criminals on notice. PSM stands with world governments in the fight to stop this growing global health risk.
Recognition of the dangers posed by counterfeit medicines must continue to be top of mind, especially as the U.S. Congress considers the legalization of prescription drug importation that will only open the door for more criminals peddling fake and potentially lethal drugs to prey upon our citizens. Just the opposite, it’s critical that we double down on our shared efforts to directly address the counterfeit issue. Focusing the collective energy of government and the private sector on eliminating this growing epidemic will do the most to help ensure the safety of patients worldwide.”
About PSM:
Comprised of more than 60 non-profit organizations, the Partnership for Safe Medicines is a public health group committed to the safety of prescription medicines and protecting consumers against counterfeit, substandard or otherwise unsafe medicines. PSM can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SafeMedicines), Twitter (@safemedicines), and the web at www.safemedicines.org.
Media Contact:
editors@safemedicines.org
(703) 679-7233