§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are taken to reassure patients that dispensed drugs are authentic rather than counterfeit drugs.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAll dispensed medicines are strictly controlled by the Medicines Act 1968. Compliance with the requirements of this Act by those who manufacture, import, wholesale and dispense medicines in the United Kingdom is continuously monitored and enforced by the Medicines Control Agency and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
The Medicines Control Agency also operates a round-the-clock service by which any suspected defective medicinal product, including counterfeits, can be reported to the agency. The report is investigated with the licence holder and any other parties involved. Any necessary action can be implemented quickly. The agency is supported by laboratories equipped to investigate any suspected counterfeit products.
§ Mr. ChisholmTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to prevent counterfeiting and reimportation of drugs.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Medicines Control Agency fully investigates all alleged reports of counterfeiting and illegal re-importation of drugs and takes prompt action, including prosecution where appropriate to stop illegal activity. The United Kingdom licensing system covering the import—sale and production—of medicinal products is continually kept under review to ensure that appropriate safeguards against counterfeit products are maintained.