The MEP from Left Block (Portugal) and member from European Left Party, Marisa Matias, saw her report on the false medicines directive being approved today in the Commission for the Environment, Public Health and Alimentary Security of the European Parliament.

"In today's vote we were able to suggest the extension of the legal basis of a directive originally only focused on the internal market but now truly focused on public health. There has been a dangerous augment in falsified medicines on the market in last years with some products infiltrating legal supply chains and creating a grave threat to patients. Falsification is a crime and must therefore carry sanctions and/or penalties." she alleged.

The purpose of preventing the entrance of counterfeited medicine in the legal chain of distribution is related to many sectors and actors and, essentially, with the quality of the medicines that we consume. According to World-Health Organization (WHO), the counterfeited medicine circulation in Europe represents about one percent of the global commercial movement. “It can seem little”, it affirms Marisa Matias, “but it means the circulation of many thousands of units in all the distribution chain, with undeniable risks for the public health”.

The report improves safety-features and requirements on products and brings in important supplies to deal with the falsified medicines trade through the internet, a market that was not enclosed by the original Commission proposal. "Without our amendments, the internet would have operated as the 'Trojan horse' for fake medicines. We cannot put down the largest doorway for counterfeit drugs in Europe out of this legislation. We must clearly distinguish between legal and illegal online pharmacies, guiding consumers with a new EU logo for approved sites and the listing of licensed online pharmacies. Finally, public awareness campaigns and information about the risks of buying from unaccredited pharmacies must be enhanced."

Marisa Matias report, contrasting the Commission proposal, also addresses the control and distribution of falsified medicines to third countries.

The report now will be discussed with the presence of the Parliament, Commission and Council.