Kathmandu, February 28:

Matthew Kahane, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations system in Nepal, launched the annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board-2006 at the United Nations’ country office in Nepal today.

The report that was launched worldwide today says that long-standing problems with the legal control of pharmaceutical preparations containing controlled substances are continuing in Nepal. According to the report, “The long-standing problems have led to widespread abuse of such preparations among all segments of the population in South Asia.”

Kahane highlighted the significance of the report, saying that the board was especially concerned about the existence of unregulated markets where substandard and sometimes even lethal medication is sold to unsuspecting customers.

“Unregulated markets are often supplied with stolen and diverted drugs, illicitly manufactured pharmaceuticals or through illegal sales on the Internet. There is also evidence that an increasing number of licensed individuals and entities are violating laws to sell controlled drugs without a prescription,” he said.

“The danger is real and sizeable. The World Health Organisation estimates that 25-50 per cent of medicines consumed in developing countries are believed to be counterfeit. The problem is further compounded by the fact that counterfeit drugs are easy to manufacture and resemble genuine drugs in packaging and labelling,” he cited the report.

Chandeshwor Acharya, joint-secretary of the Home Ministry, said Nepal has already been acceded to the 1971 Convention.