Call for tsunami drug donations to be appropriate
Unwanted drug donations have significant disposal costs |
Pharmacists wishing to donate prescription-only medicines directly to
areas affected by the tsunami disaster in Asia should do so in accordance
with guidance issued by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (PDF 35K). The
Society and other organisations have warned that donations may be inappropriate
and could adversely affect public health.
In its guidance, the Society advises that returned medicines or obsolete
or expired items should not be sent. Such medicines are often inappropriate
and their identity, quality and security cannot be guaranteed.
The World Health Organization advises that in the acute phase of an emergency
it is better to send a standardised kit of drugs and medical supplies
that is specifically designed for this purpose (PDF 75K). The WHO’s
new emergency health kit, which contains drugs, disposable supplies and
basic
equipment,
covers general medical care for a population of 10,000 for three months.
Pharmacists respond
Pharmacists Shaon Talukder and Helen Roberts
have gathered together a group of pharmacists and others who
have agreed to donate one day’s salary to purchase emergency
medicines for those affected by the tsunami. They have negotiated
a deal with Generics UK whereby the company pledged to match
the donations and use the sum to purchase cost price medicines
selected by the medical organisations that will be using the
drugs in the affected areas.
Anyone wishing to contribute can call Mr Talukder on 07887 685972 or
e-mail him at shaon@talukder.freeserve.co.uk
Members of the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the Society, many
of whom have links with areas affected by the tsunami, will be meeting
on 11 January to discuss ways in which they can help those affected by
the disaster. Further details are available from Ian Bell on 0116 271
5057.
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After the acute phase, the WHO recommends that a cash donation for local
or regional purchase of essential drugs is usually much more welcome
and cost-effective than further drug donations in kind. The WHO has set
up a website suggesting
how health professionals can help.
Pharmaciens Sans Frontières has also asked pharmacists to help
manage humanitarian assistance by not contributing to uncontrolled collection
of medicines and shipping of inappropriate donations.
It warns that the dumping of medicines in countries hit by emergencies
is a danger to public health because the distribution of such medicines
is often poorly managed and the safe disposal of inappropriate donations
is expensive.
Letters p12 |
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