CAIRO: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, announced the start of its anti-counterfeit and smuggled drugs campaign on Sunday after surveys revealed a low public awareness of the problem. The surveys, which were conducted on a sample of 400 Egyptians, showed that even though 90 percent of Egyptians prefer that the drugs they buy be registered with the Ministry of Health, only 28 percent check the drugs for a registration number before purchasing them. The surveys also revealed that 46 percent of Egyptians are unaware of the dangers of counterfeit drugs, and that 70 percent would like to know more information about them. Even though 86 percent of those surveyed believe that it is important to report a drug as counterfeit, the surveys showed that 64 percent of Egyptians are unaware that they may personally report a drug as counterfeit to the authorities. The campaign, which will last for two months, aims to reduce drug counterfeiting in Egypt and to increase the public's awareness of its role in the process. The Ministry of Health also announced the launch of its 19562 telephone hotline designated to receive inquiries and reports concerning counterfeit drugs. Ashraf Bayoumi, the head of the central administration for pharmaceutical affairs, warned consumers of buying drugs from satellite television channels or from the internet, stating that the only safe outlets for pharmaceutical drugs are licensed pharmacies. Bayoumi added that he will sue any satellite TV channel that advertises for drugs, and that several channels have already been shut down by court order for doing so. Bayoumi also urged the public to stop buying drugs that are banned by the Ministry of Health — such as certain brands of diet pills — and that all pharmaceutical drugs purchased should be stored at the temperature indicated on their labels. “The World Health Organization shows that the percentage of drug counterfeiting in the world has reached 20 percent,” Bayoumi stated. “We want to bring this number down to zero in Egypt.” Madiha Ahmed, the general manager of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Administration, said that the authorities are treating the issue of counterfeit drugs firmly because it significantly affects Egyptian patients. “I believe that counterfeit drugs are more dangerous than illegal drugs, because the patient buys them with good intentions, thinking that they will cure him,” said Ahmed. Ahmed advised Egyptians to use the 19562 hotline to report any illegal drug outlets or unregistered drugs that they encounter. Ahmed added that ordinary citizens can determine whether or not a drug is counterfeit by detecting any unfamiliar changes in the appearance of the drug's packaging, the taste of the medicine, or if unfamiliar side effects are experienced after taking the drugs. She also asked that consumers exercise caution regarding major discounts on drug prices, as a significant discount may itself be an indicator that the drug is counterfeit. Ahmed said that the Ministry of Health campaign has already shown signs of success, and that she hopes that Egyptians respond well to what the campaign is hoping to accomplish.
