Last Updated on November 3, 2019 by The Health Master
Shimla: The State Drug Licensing Authority’s claim to have issued show-cause notices to eight units for “manufacturing and supplying substandard drugs” has turned out to be a cover-up. It is learnt that the authority has not taken any penal action against the manufacturers for violating the Drug and Cosmetics (Amendment) Act, 2008.
Nine samples — two from Sirmaur and seven from Solan-Shimla region — were found unfit for consumption by the Central Drugs Control Organisation (CDCO). These were manufactured in the pharma hub of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN).
“Even CM Jai Ram Thakur is learnt to have taken cognisance of the sub-standard and spurious drugs and sought action in the case,” sources said.
In 2018, eight samples taken by the drug controller of Rajasthan had failed the test and the official had directed the state health authorities to withdraw these drugs from markets immediately. He had also asked the latter to initiate proceedings against the companies based in BBN under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, but to no avail.
The State Drug Licensing Authority has registered 630 drug manufacturing companies in the state. “Every month, a drug inspector is supposed to take eight-10 drug samples in his/her jurisdiction as per the CDCO guidelines, but it is surprising that none of the samples failed the test, while samples taken by the outside drug controlling agencies were found to be substandard,” said doctors.
Manish Kapur, Drug Licensing Authority, Baddi, said notices were issued to eight companies the samples of which had failed the test, but refused to divulge names. State Drug Controller Navneet Marwah said: “We will hold a review meeting next week and action will be taken.”
If a sample fails test…
The State Drug Licensing Authority has to constitute a screening committee to take penal action. The offender may have to serve 10 yrs in jail and pay Rs 10-lakh fine. — Central Drugs Control Organisation
9 samples unfit
- Nine drug samples — two from Sirmaur and seven from Solan-Shimla region — were found unfit for consumption by the Central Drugs Control Organisation
- Sources say these drugs, scheduled to be supplied to Jan Aushadhi stores, had been manufactured in the pharma hub of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh
