"Voices of Collaboration” series highlight cooperation between OSMR and LZVO
The “Voices of Collaboration” series is produced by the Romanian Medicines Verification Organisation (OSMR) to highlight the people and partnerships that make cross-border collaboration possible.
In this second edition of our Voices of Collaboration series, we highlight the strong and constructive cooperation between OSMR and the Latvian Medicines Verification Organisation (LZVO) — a partnership built on shared objectives, experience exchange, and a common commitment to protecting patients from falsified medicines.
Since the implementation of the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS) in 2019, both Romania and Latvia have worked continuously to ensure that their national systems operate effectively and support the safe supply of authentic medicines across the legal distribution chain.
System performance indicators show stable and mature systems. Today, both in Romania and in Latvia, 100% of the End-Users required by regulation are connected, bringing the total number of system users in Latvia to 1,171 (including 812 pharmacies, 58 wholesalers and 301 healthcare institutions) and in Romania to 10,892 (including 9,896 pharmacies, 392 wholesalers and 604 healthcare institutions).
The collaboration between OSMR and LZVO also extends to the operational level, where colleagues exchange practical experience and expertise within various European Working Groups.
A recent example of this cooperation is the sharing of the questionnaire used by OSMR for the study on the “Attitudes of the population towards falsified medicines.” Conducted in Romania last year, the study aimed to better understand public awareness and perceptions regarding falsified medicines. The questionnaire was shared with LZVO colleagues, who adapted and used it to support similar research efforts in Latvia.
As both organizations continue to develop their national systems, cooperation and knowledge exchange remain essential.
Inese Erdmane, Chairwoman of the Board:
This type of exchange demonstrates how collaboration between national verification organizations can generate valuable insights and contribute to improving communication and awareness efforts across Europe. Because when collaboration works across borders, patient safety is strengthened for everyone.”
Laurentiu Mihai, OSMR General Manager:
Through partnerships like the one between OSMR and LZVO, national verification organizations contribute not only to the continuous improvement of their own systems but also to the overall strength of the European Medicines Verification System.”