Operation Double-Check: Kerala’s Bold Move to Ensure Drug Quality

Numerous sources have hinted at unauthorized drugs entering Kerala, raising serious concerns about drug quality.

March 11, 2024

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FDA State Food and Drugs Administration — FDA

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Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by The Health Master

Drug Quality

The drug control department (DCD) in Kerala is gearing up for a game-changing initiative – ‘Operation Double-Check.’ to Ensure Drug Quality.

This strategic move involves all drug inspectors in the districts, aiming to ensure the drug quality imported from other states and to unveil the sources of drug procurement by corporate and discount pharmacies.

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Need for Operation Double-Check

The decision to launch Operation Double-Check stems from secret information received by the regulatory body.

Numerous sources have hinted at unauthorized drugs entering Kerala, raising serious concerns about drug quality.

A highly-placed source within the department highlighted the urgency to address this issue, emphasizing the need to verify if drugs are procured from genuine manufacturers.

Targeting Discount Pharmacies

The initial focus of Operation Double-Check will be on discount pharmacies.

Drug inspectors will meticulously trace their drug procurements to ensure they are sourced from authorized dealers or genuine manufacturers.

Simultaneously, state laboratories will conduct quality checks on samples collected from medical shops, ensuring a harmonious balance between chasing the source of purchase and testing drug quality.

Transparent and Ethical Procurement Mechanism

Sujith Kumar, the Drug Controller of Kerala, emphasized the department’s intent to establish a transparent and ethical procurement mechanism for all drug dealers.

The department receives complaints alleging that many circulating drugs are not from genuine suppliers, making it challenging for inspectors to detect the supply channels.

This initiative aligns with the nationwide effort to curb substandard and spurious drug rackets.

Nationwide Surge in Illegal Drug Activities

The surge in substandard and spurious drug rackets is not unique to Kerala.

Recent incidents, like the arrest of individuals in Delhi and Telangana for manufacturing and supplying spurious drugs, underscore the magnitude of the issue.

Kerala, being a hub for drugs from all over India, faces increased scrutiny.

Marketing companies, especially those procuring medicines from north India, have come under the scanner.

Scrutiny on Marketing Companies and Discount Pharmacies

The Drug Controller stressed the importance of transparency in the drug procurement system.

While traders have the right to conduct businesses, the sources of procuring medicines must be disclosed.

This disclosure is critical, considering the procurement system is a major determinant of drug availability.

The DCD aims to minimize the circulation of spurious or not-of-standard-quality drugs in Kerala, with stringent actions promised against offenders.

Post-GST Quality Concerns and the Evolving Supply Chain

The Drug Controller shed light on the quality issues emerging in the Post-GST period.

The disrupted supply-chain system allows anyone to purchase medicines from anywhere, making it challenging to regulate the industry.

Previously, a well-defined system, starting from manufacturers to retailers, aided officials in tracking drug origins and movements.

The enforcement officials will now introduce a separate wing to monitor discount pharmacies and medical shops offering discounts.

Industry Response and Future Strategies

AN Mohan, president of the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association, welcomed the DCD’s decision for Operation Double-Check.

He assured that the association, committed to society, would act as quality watchdogs, providing data on the procurement and supply of medicines to the department.

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists will discuss strategies to counter the threat of discount offerings and corporate pharmacies in an upcoming executive council meeting.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.