Illegal trade in medicines, problems focused on points of distribution and destruction: units for the disposal of medicines and supplies

Abstract

Introduction: Counterfeiting and/or adulteration of medicines is a public health problem which is increasingly reflected in the country; One way to avoid it, whether on a small scale, is the correct use of the blue dot, thus helping to effectively denature and destroy them. General Objective: Recognize the importance of preventing the illegal trade of medicines using the blue point, in the stages of commercialization and destruction of the product, in the municipalities of Santiago de Cali, La Unión and Jamundí in the Department of Valle del Cauca. Specific Objectives: Measure the degree of knowledge of the blue dot in terms of its functionality and impact on the population of Santiago Cali and the municipality of La Uniòn Valle. Analyze the incidence of drug display in recycling material and its level of commercialization in Santiago de Cali and Jamundi. Method: A descriptive-comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted, with a quantitative approach that included a sample of 171 people from the municipality of Santiago de Cali and eighty-nine people from the municipality of La Union Valle, a sample of twenty-one recyclers from the municipality of Santiago de Cali and twenty recyclers from the municipality of Jamundí. The study was conducted between October and November 2022. Two validated questionnaires were used, one completed online (group A) and the other in person (group B), which was developed voluntarily. Results: Regarding the group of people surveyed in group A, 45, equivalent to 26.3% of the universe of the population surveyed in Cali, are aware of the blue dot, while 126 people, equivalent to 73.7%, are unaware of it. In Unión Valle, 14 people, equivalent to 15.7%, know about the blue dot, while 75 people, equivalent to 84.3%, are unaware of it. In group B, the findings of medicines in recycling are measured: in Santiago de Cali 21 people, equivalent to 100% of the universe of the population, have found medicines and from the Municipality of Jamundí 20 people, equivalent to 100% of the universe of the population, they have also found medicines. Conclusion: The main cause of falsification of medicines about the non-use of the blue dot is due to ignorance of its existence.