The global report on narcotics control has stated that the Nepal has problems with the legal control of pharmaceutical preparations containing controlled substances.

Resident Representative of the UNDP, Matthew Kahane (L), launching the International Narcotics Control Board Report-2006 during a programme at the UN House in Kahtmandu on Wednesday, Feb 28 07. nepalnews.com/rh

Resident Representative of the UNDP, Matthew Kahane (L), launching the…
“This has led to widespread abuse of such preparations among all segments of the population. In general, pharmaceutical preparations are diverted from domestic distribution routes and are sold without prescription in pharmacies and various other retail outlets in the region,” said Matthew Kahane, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of UN system in Nepal, on the occasion of the launching of the International Narcotics Control Board’s Annual Report—2006.

Meanwhile, Dr. Philip O. Emafo, President of INCB , has cautioned in the report that it is important for consumers to realise that what they think is cheaper medication bought from an unregulated market may have potentially lethal effects whenever the consumed drugs are not the genuine product or are taken without medical advice.

The Board is especially concerned about the existence of unregulated markets where substandard and sometimes even lethal medication is sold to unsuspecting customers.

The INCB has called on Member States to enforce legislation to ensure that narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are not illegally manufactured or diverted from legal manufacture and distribution channels to unregulated markets.

According to INCB, the abuse and trafficking of prescription medicines is set to exceed illicit drug abuse. In fact, medication containing narcotic drugs and/or psychotropic substances has become a drug of first choice in many cases. The demand for these drugs is so high, that it has given rise to a new problem – that of counterfeit products. Abuse of prescription medicines can have lethal effects.

“The danger is real and sizeable. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 25-50 per cent of medicines consumed in developing countries are believed to be counterfeit,” Kahane said.

At the INCB report launching program, Chandeshwor Acharya, under-secretary of the Home Ministry who is also in charge of the Narcotics Control Division, said that illicit trafficking, production and addition in drugs have become a national concern. He said the government policy envisages setting up Narcotics Control Bureau and hoped better cooperation and support from international development community to control the problem.