It is essential that drugs, reaching the patient are safe, effective and of high quality. It has been mentioned before that drug registration and drug inspection are important tools to ensure this. It however also needs the support of laboratories, capable to perform quality control on drugs. In many countries unscrupulous persons try to penetrate the drug market with counterfeit or fake Pharmaceuticals. This is a serious criminal offence as it endangers life of innocent people. Authorities and health professionals have to be on the alert permanently. It is therefore essential to establish drug quality control facilities, linked with the Pharmacy Board and the Government Chemist.

As mentioned before standards for pharmacy practise and GMP are elements contributing to quality assurance, but they are also in need of additional support from laboratory facilities. The development of adequate reliable drug quality control laboratory services is therefore included in the Masterplan.