1st Global IMPACT Forum
February 2008

WSMI was pleased to contribute to the 1st Global IMPACT Forum in Singapore on 13-15 February 2008. This conference brought together regulators, technology developers and industry, to review the types of technologies that are being used and developed to combat counterfeit medical products. WSMI supports the recommendations of the meeting, which noted that a wide range of technologies is available and should be used for different levels of national capacity and infrastructure.  Regulatory authorities developing strategies for the use of technologies should consider the following criteria:

• needs, risk & cost/benefit assessment, timeliness of response, efficiency, adaptability to local conditions, risk of affecting products’ safety & efficacy profile, ensure privacy & confidentiality of information, affordability & accessibility of the products, degree of burden on distribution system, impact on price, training of those involved, adequate resources and effective enforcement, and communication;
• Involvement of all stakeholders in the development of the strategy;
• Experience from other countries; 
• Need to periodically re-evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies adopted;
• Need to ensure interoperability within domestic supply chain and, where possible, internationally.