Contaminated drugs are held responsible for 120 deaths in Pakistan

Arie, Sophie

doi:10.1136/bmj.e951

Cited by 26 publications

(25 citation statements)

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“…This reality is not limited to Sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, in Pakistan a case of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process was discovered after the contaminated medicine caused the death of 120 patients [16]. A recent cross-sectional study carried out in China to investigate the content in active ingredient of five antimicrobial drugs found that all tested samples were registered in the country, but 15 % failed to meet the Chinese Pharmacopeia standard [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fighting poor-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries: the importance of advocacy and pedagogy

Ravinetto

Vandenbergh

Macé

et al. 2016

J of Pharm Policy and Pract

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The globalization of pharmaceutical production has not been accompanied by a strengthening and harmonization of the regulatory systems worldwide. Thus, the global market is characterized today by a situation of multiple standards, and patients in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to the risk of receiving poor-quality medicines. Among those who first raised the alarm on this problem, there were pioneering humanitarian groups, who were in a privileged position to witness the gap in quality of medicines between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries.Despite an increasing awareness of the problem and the launch of some positive initiatives, the divide in pharmaceutical quality between the North and the South remains important, and insufficiently addressed. More advocacy is needed for universal access to quality-assured medicines. It should target all those who are strongly “involved” with medicines: regulators, international organizations, journalists, purchasers, prescribers, program managers, policy makers, public health actors and the patients. Advocacy should be based on evidence from research and monitoring programs, and technical concepts should be translated in lay language through communication tools that address all the stakeholders. The fight to ensure universal access to quality medicines needs the participation of all, and can only be successful if grounded in common understanding.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fighting poor-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries: the importance of advocacy and pedagogy

Ravinetto

Vandenbergh

Macé

et al. 2016

J of Pharm Policy and Pract

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“…While mechanisms to combat substandard medicines occur on both an international and domestic level, drug regulation itself is managed domestically. The issue of substandard drugs is particularly acute in LICs, as mechanisms for regulation are sparse and most incidents (Arie, ) get lost in the matrix of high mortality and strained health systems (Gostin et al ., ). Only 20% of WHO member states have well‐developed drug regulation systems, and 30% have either no system or mechanisms that barely function (Carpenter, ).…”

Section: Improving Efficacymentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving Access to Medicines in Low‐Income Countries: A Review of Mechanisms

Bors¹,

Christie²,

Gervais

et al. 2015

World Intellectual Property

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Individuals in low‐income countries (“LICs”) often lack access to appropriate medicines. The multi‐disciplinary nature of this problem requires a holistic approach. Whereas, other writings on the topic tend to focus on one or a small number of issues, often from the perspective of a single discipline, this paper seeks to consider the major issues from a multi‐disciplinary perspective. It first considers mechanisms for improving the availability of medicines in LICs, through grants, prizes, treaties, advance market commitments, priority review and product development partnerships to incentivize and fund R&D for neglected diseases. The paper then assesses mechanisms for improving affordability of medicines in LICs, such as differential pricing mechanisms, monopsonies, patent law flexibilities and human rights obligations. Next, the paper reviews mechanisms for improving the efficacy of medicines in LICs, including authentication, criminalization, international and national enforcement and communication and education. Finally, the paper examines mechanisms for improving the obtainability of medicines in LICs, through low‐cost intervention, task‐shifting, efficient regulation, grass‐roots service provision and education. The paper concludes by identifying areas warranting further research.

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“…In January 2012, several patients attending a public health care institution the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Lahore experienced unusually high fatal adverse events on taking a tablet by the name of Isotab. This medicine was dispensed without any cost to PIC patients and local pharmaceutical companies were given contracts to supply this public hospital (Arie 2012). It was reported that Isotab caused bone marrow suppression and aplastic anemia, resulting in generalized bleeding followed by death within few days.…”

Section: The Punjab Institute Of Cardiology Tragedymentioning

confidence: 99%

Medicines For Women

Harrison‐Woolrych¹

2015

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Contaminated drugs are held responsible for 120 deaths in Pakistan

Cited by 26 publications

References 0 publications

Fighting poor-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries: the importance of advocacy and pedagogy

Fighting poor-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries: the importance of advocacy and pedagogy

Improving Access to Medicines in Low‐Income Countries: A Review of Mechanisms

Medicines For Women

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