Counterfeit medicines a world problem

Abstract

Since man began to brew potions, ointments and medicinal plasters to fight disease, adulterated products also appeared. Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt (circa 1500 BC) commissioned an expedition to search for genuine herbs, as the Egyptian markets were flooded with fake botanicals. There is no simple solution or a standard for all countries to eliminate this problem. Each country has to develop a strategy based on its particular situation, taking into account the available infrastructure and human resources. In Belize, the Ministry of Health is already working on the organization of a pharmaceutical registration. It has established a system of pharmacy inspections to ensure better control of the distribution and use of medicines in the country. However, everyone involved in the health system (importers, distributors, doctors and pharmacists) are responsible for providing reliable, safe and effective medicines to the population.