Medical care can rapidly be jeopardised in crisis and conflict regions. Under the current therapeutic products legislation, legal entities and natural persons need the appropriate licences in order to collect and export medicinal products. The quickest way to deliver medicinal products is through companies and organisations that already have the necessary licences. Private individuals should not collect medicinal products themselves, but should support the local population by donating to aid organisations.
Exports of medicinal products to conflict regions should be organised by established aid organisations
17.10.2024
Swissmedic regularly receives questions on how medicinal products can be exported to provide medical aid in crisis areas. It is understandable that people wish to send medicinal products to areas where they are urgently needed for humanitarian reasons and in solidarity.
Medicinal products also need to be safe, effective and of impeccable quality in crisis situations. It is therefore vital that they come from controlled sources and are correctly stored and transported (cold chain, sterility, etc.), and that the recipient is able to handle them properly. The collection and exportation of medicinal products therefore requires the appropriate licences to ensure the safety of these products. This applies to both human and veterinary medicinal products.
The time taken by Swissmedic to issue establishment licences primarily depends on the documentation provided by the applicant. Those wishing to deliver medicinal products to crisis areas are advised to contact companies that already have the appropriate licences. Holders of an export licence have the necessary experience, and are able to check, store, transport and deliver medicinal products in accordance with the regulations.
Recommendation for private individuals: it is better to support aid organisations than to donate goods
The best and fastest way to get urgently required medicinal products to people in crisis and conflict regions is to make a monetary donation to an established aid agency. They know the medical needs on the ground, can purchase appropriate medicines according to needs, and have the relevant licences for export. Previous experience from crisis regions (conflicts, severe weather, earthquakes, etc.) shows the advantages of professional, well-structured support on the ground.
Note for private initiatives, organisations or companies without an export licence
Under the Medicinal Products Licensing Ordinance (MPLO) a licence is required to export medicinal products in order to safeguard the health of patients, as incorrectly handled medicinal products can pose a health risk. Applicants must demonstrate that their infrastructure, specialist staff and quality assurance system meet the international requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP). Swissmedic advises those wishing to deliver medicinal products to crisis areas to contact companies that already have the appropriate experience and the necessary licences.