Bengaluru : Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) has realised how much the technology has contributed to combat counterfeiting in the pharma industry. Going forward, it sees that technology adoption is of utmost significance for the country to continue its fight against counterfeit products.
As a self-regulated industry body of Anti-Counterfeiting and Traceability Solutions providers, ASPA works closely with global authorities like the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), Counterfeit Intelligence Bureau (CIB) and Interpol. In India, the Association is working with FICCI (CASCADE), CII, ACMA, Indian Beverage Association, Pesticides Manufacturers Association of India (PMFAI) & other leading industry bodies.
Noting that the 2021 was a year for the adoption of authentication & traceability technologies, as it got high attention from brand owners as well as policymakers, Nakul Pasricha, president, ASPA said that India’s fight for counterfeiting has touched new heights with a quest to ensure a genuine and safe product ecosystem. This has led to the creation of new patient-centric business models. Most vaccines have implemented anti-counterfeiting solutions, ensuring patient safety at the highest level, which is a welcome move.
Going forward in 2022 too, it is utmost significant for the country to continue its fight against counterfeit products. Here the government must ensure that counterfeit products do not dupe consumers, he added.
Hence, there is a need for widespread awareness and a close vigilance on the massive impact of counterfeiting on a country’s economic growth, eradication of employment opportunities, which is a threat looming on the public health and lives. We need to ride heavily on digital and media campaigns for consumer awareness along with a consistent policy intervention to promote and appreciate new authentication & traceability technologies. The negative impact of counterfeiting can be diminished to an exceptional level if it becomes a part of every brand’s strategy and operational plan. After all, quality is everyone’s responsibility, Pasricha told Pharmabiz.
Counterfeiters are taking advantage of the high demand for medicines, health supplements, safety products, hygiene products and other essentials created due to the ongoing Covid crisis and contaminating the market by selling fake and sub-standard products which is threatening the lives of our paramedical professionals, security volunteers, patients and society at large, said the ASPA president.
