WHO-RAS:Measures to combat menace of spurious medicines

[Guest guest]

Dear Sir:

You are right. For the remaining two days of this discussion we can concentrate more on global efforts towards combating the menace of spurious medicines because we have already discussed a lot about measures required at our national level. Thanks to you for sharing some of your valuable personal experiences with us on that. Entire pharmacy community of our state is thankful to you for framing a proposal towards creation of 72 posts of drug inspectors and their placement at block level in the state. The proposal has already met success and the process of recruitment against these new creations is going on at present. In this post I am giving details about WHO-Rapid Alert System for combating the menace of spurious medicines.

What is Rapid Alert System (RAS) for combating counterfeit medicines?

The Rapid Alert System for combating counterfeit medicines is a moderated electronic communication network involving the designated focal person and representatives of countries and areas in the Region, WHO and partner organizations. The system transmits information on cases of counterfeit medicine in an effort to alert authorities so that they can take timely action.

The system was initiated by the Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organization in collaboration with partner organizations to protect public safety as part of the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Improving Access to Essential Medicines in the Western Pacific Region, 2005 – 2010.

How does RAS work?

Cases of counterfeit medicine can be reported through the system by using an electronic reporting form provided. Alternatively, reports can be submitted by other means of communication (email or fax) to the secretariat (see contact), which immediately will incorporate them into the system.

Any parties encountering or detecting counterfeit medicines can submit a case report directly to the system using the electronic reporting form or through the designated focal points.

Depending on the nature of the report, a moderator will disseminate the pertinent information to all members of the RAS.

Members of RAS, mainly the designated focal points from countries and areas or representatives of the partner organizations, are encouraged to participate in the discussion of the reported case including the necessary follow-up actions. The designated focal points in the countries or areas are encouraged to

communicate the case with relevant authorities. Appropriate actions for any reported cases will depend on each country or area. Recommendations from discussions with RAS members may be taken into account as appropriate.

Confirmed cases will be incorporated into the WHO database.

Kind regards

Zeenat Ashraf