Falsified medicines and the hospital setting

The EU Falsified Medicines Directive (EU FMD) introduced new requirements for hospitals to verify the authenticity of prescription medicines.

 A year on and hospitals are working to reduce the cost impacts and starting to leverage significant additional benefits. A new report published by Be4ward, the supply chain transformation consultancy, looks beyond the prevention of falsified medicines to understand what other benefits can be gained in the hospital setting. 

Why the EU FMD was introduced

Fake medicines are often perceived to be an issue primarily affecting developing countries. While this is true, it is easy to overlook the very real threat that Europe is facing from falsified products. We only need to consider what has occurred over the past six months during the COVID outbreak and we see an influx of fake PPE and medicines onto the market. Between 2013-2017 there were 400 incidents of falsification reported in the EU and, following an Interpol operation in 2017, nearly €7 million medicines were seized at the EU border.

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.

Latest Issues

Approaches in Neurovascular and Skull Base Surgery

Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge
3rd July 2026

BLOCKED – Advanced+ | The Wrightington Regional Anaesthesia Interest Group Cadaveric Course

Wrightington Conference Centre
Tuesday 7th – Wednesday 8th July 2026

AESCULAP ACADEMY LIVE - Circular Economy in Action

B. Braun Business Centre, Sheffield
Friday 10th July 2026

AfPP Regional Conferences: Bristol

BAWA Leisure
18th July 2026

AfPP Annual National Conference 2026

Wyboston Lakes Resort
7th – 8th August 2026

The Annual Operating Theatres Show

Manchester (Etihad)
10th September 2026