In April 2009, HEPS learnt that a Counterfeit Goods Bill to control an upsurge of counterfeits had been prepared by the Ministry of Trade and was on its way to Parliament. The Bill however had serious implications on importation and manufacture of generic medicines. Since then HEPS has been able to mobilize stakeholders including National Drug Authority (NDA) and local Pharmaceutical Industry to campaign against the bill in its current form.
The Ministry of Trade (MOT) acknowledged the weaknesses and committed to incorporating HEPS proposals. A letter to that effect was written by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade to NDA and copied to HEPS. One of the members informed the meeting that the bill had been withdrawn.