In this edition of our Voices of Collaboration series, we highlight the importance of partnership between the medicines verification system organisations and patient organizations, by bringing forward the perspective of Iulian Petre, Vicepresident of the Coalition of Patients’ Organisations with Chronic Diseases in Romania (COPAC) and Executive Director of the National Union of Organizations of People Affected by HIV (UNOPA).
Ensuring that patients have access to safe and authentic medicines is a shared goal – one that requires close cooperation between institutions, industry, and patient representatives.
The European Medicines Verification System (EMVS), implemented at national level through the National Medicines Verification System (NMVS), plays a key role in protecting patients from falsified medicines by enabling the verification of each medicine pack across the legal supply chain.
Beyond the technical infrastructure, raising awareness among patients remains essential. Understanding how the system works and why verification matters contributes to building trust and empowering patients to make informed decisions regarding their treatment.
In this context, the collaboration between OSMR and patient organizations such as COPAC and UNOPA have become particularly important.
As part of the national communication campaign “Falsified medicines can kill!”, patient associations have expressed their openness and commitment to actively support awareness efforts, helping to bring key messages closer to patients and the general public.
Mr. Iulian Petre highlighted:
“For patients, trust in their treatment is essential. Knowing that there is a system in place that verifies medicines and protects them from falsified products provides an additional layer of safety. Patient organizations are ready to support communication efforts and help ensure that this information reaches those who need it most.”
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to placing patients at the center of all efforts — not only by ensuring the safety of medicines, but also by strengthening awareness and trust.
Through Voices of Collaboration, we continue to highlight the partnerships that make a difference — because it represents a collective responsibility.
