Counterfeit medicines

The counterfeiting of medicinal products is a growing concern for patients, the pharmaceutical industry and national policy-makers worldwide. EU internal market rules for medicinal products for human use coupled by wide-ranging International cooperation, and proposed European legislative reforms are hoped to have a positive impact against the problem of counterfeit medicines - one of the greatest current threats to public health and safety.peer-reviewe

Medicine, healthcare, pharmacy and the law

“Laws may generally be regarded as requirements for human conduct, applying to all persons within their jurisdiction, commanding what is right, prohibiting what is wrong, and imposing penalties for violations”.1 In the law’s efforts at safeguarding patient safety, it has also generated fear of legal reprisal. However a good understanding of the rules and regulation that govern day-to-day practice, and awareness of accountability and professional responsibility intrinsic to the healthcare professions is critical to maintaining the high standard and regard to which these professions are held.peer-reviewe