Veterans Affairs, IPR Center Partner to Protect Medical Supply Chain for Patients

(L to R) David Johnson, assistant director for investigations at the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General; Ivan Arvelo, director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center; and Cheryl Mason, inspector general of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, sign a partnership charter to protect the VA supply chain.

WASHINGTON —The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General announced Operation Genuine Valor on Aug. 13, a multiagency initiative designed to protect the VA supply chain against the infiltration of counterfeit, unapproved, substandard and noncompliant medical devices, equipment and pharmaceuticals.

“When the VA medical supply chain is compromised, it puts the health and safety of veterans at risk,” said VA Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason. “Our partnership with the IPR Center for Operation Genuine Valor demonstrates the VA OIG’s commitment to protecting veterans by identifying vulnerabilities, enforcing compliance and addressing threats.”

“The signing of this charter highlights the critical role partnerships play in our mission at the IPR Center. By sharing information, conducting proactive investigations and working together, we’re ensuring veterans receive the quality care they deserve. This agreement reinforces our commitment to combining our expertise in investigation, enforcement and regulatory compliance to protect those who’ve sacrificed so much for our country. Our veterans risked their lives for our freedoms, and now it’s our turn to protect them,” said IPR Center Director Ivan Arvelo.

Operation Genuine Valor’s efforts protect veterans’ health and safety by leveraging the combined expertise and authority of participating agencies in investigations, enforcement actions and regulatory compliance. The operation uses a holistic approach to ensuring the integrity of VA’s medical supply chain that includes data analytics, proactive investigations, strategic partnerships and educational outreach to VA staff.

Members of the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center stand united in support of Operation Genuine Valor.