The second meeting of the working group of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the issue of spurious drugs, scheduled from October 25 to 28 at Geneva, will deliberate on a number of key issues including its relationship with the International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce (IMPACT) which India has been opposing strongly in the recent past.

The notes prepared by the WHO ahead of the crucial round of discussions  said the WHO is a member of the IMPACT and has played a key role in its establishment and in its activities. “As a member among other members, WHO is not in a position to “dissolve” the Taskforce,” it said.

However, the world body has suggested among the ways forward that the member States could advise the international body on its future association with the IMPACT. “Member States may wish WHO to disengage or withdraw from its relationship with the Taskforce. Member States may recommend that WHO continue its relationship with the Taskforce, and suggest a reform of its format and procedures. They may recommend that WHO seek an alternative mechanism to the Taskforce,” it said.

The Working Group of Member States on 'substandard/spurious/falsely-labelled/falsified/counterfeit medical products' will also address several other points including prevention and control of medical products of compromised quality, safety and efficacy such as substandard/spurious/falsely-labelled/falsified/counterfeit medical products. WHO’s role in measures to ensure the availability of good-quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products is also on the agenda for discussion.

“In line with the recommendations of the first session of the Working Group, WHO is requested to continue to enhance the following activities in collaboration with its Member States, partners, non-governmental organizations and other agencies to provide support to countries wishing to strengthen their national and regional policies, health systems and regulatory authorities in order to ensure access to safe, effective, quality assured medical products through good distribution and supply practices,” the WHO said.