KEFEA statement on labelling of pharmaceutical products

October 16, 2015

The Cyprus Association of Research and Development Pharmaceutical Companies (KEFEA) is surprised by media reports claiming that 40% of pharmaceutical products at state pharmacies are inadequately labelled.

In statements, KEFEA President Kyriacos Mikellis said that “as the specific report refers by name to member-companies of ours, which have not been briefed in any way, we have written to the Pharmaceutical Services asking them to contact the companies immediately and investigate the information published by the newspaper”.

Mr Mikellis added that this issue should not raise concern among patients, but urged the relevant ministry to investigate the information and take the appropriate measures.

KEFEA does not under any circumstances support violation of the relevant regulations on labelling, as this has always been a priority issue for its members which have invested significant funds and time in order to comply with the instructions but also to cater for Cypriot patients.

On the matter of labelling, KEFEA believes that the instructions leaflet and other information written on the packaging of pharmaceutical products must be in the Greek language or in Greek and English, as it is important that all Cypriot citizens are in a position to be informed in their own language on matters concerning their pharmaceutical treatment.

KEFEA represents the research and development pharmaceutical companies in Cyprus and is a member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).