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The NHS bought Aids drugs which had been illegally diverted from developing countries, the BBC has discovered.
Manufacturers originally supplied the anti-retroviral drugs free or at cost price for Aids sufferers in Africa.

However, some have ended up in the NHS and corrupt traders are being blamed for blocking shipments and selling the drugs back to Europe for huge profits.

The Department of Health said rules had been drawn up to ensure that diverted medicines did not end up in the NHS.

One manufacturer has changed the colour of its tablets to prevent this trade.

One purchasing manager said he had suspicions about the origins of the drugs, but they were in good condition and cheap, so he bought them anyway

Matthew Chapman
BBC correspondent

Trade in Aids drugs
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The BBC learnt that shipments of anti-retrovirals earmarked for countries such as Senegal ended up in the health service.

BBC correspondent Matthew Chapman said: "One purchasing manager said he had suspicions about the origins of the drugs, but they were in good condition and cheap, so he bought them anyway."

He said that earlier this year a former bookmaker pleaded guilty to trading in Aids drugs which were then sold to the NHS.

Mr Chapman said the bookmaker stored his shipments next to boxes of cannabis.

The BBC also learnt that another pharmaceutical company, based in Kent, is currently being investigated over allegations that it obtained supplies which were destined for Aids sufferers in Kenya.

Mr Chapman said: "British manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, has now changed the colour coating on tablets as a security measure to deter this trade".

The full story airs on BBC Radio Five Live at 1930 BST on Sunday 24 April.

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SEE ALSO:
The battle over Uganda's Aids campaign
12 Apr 05 | Africa
UK global HIV strategy criticised
05 Apr 05 | Health
UK funding for anti-HIV gel trial
05 Apr 05 | Health
NHS 'taking away Africa's medics'
15 Mar 05 | Health
NHS 'exploiting poor countries'
28 Jun 04 | Health

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