Last Updated on December 27, 2024 by The Health Master
Spurious Drug
The Indian government has taken a significant step to combat the growing issue of spurious drug circulation by forming a special committee.
This committee will be responsible for developing a robust framework for prosecuting chemists and retailers involved in the sale of counterfeit medications.
A Loophole in the System
Investigations conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) have uncovered a concerning trend: when caught selling substandard or spurious drug, many chemists and retailers present genuine-looking GST bills or invoices.
However, these bills often originate from suppliers located in other parts of the country, making it difficult to trace the actual source of the counterfeit drugs.
Addressing the Issue:
The newly formed committee will explore innovative ways to hold erring chemists and retailers accountable.
This is crucial as these outlets are the final point of contact between the pharmaceutical supply chain and the general public.
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act emphasizes public health and safety, making it imperative to address the issue of spurious drug sales at this critical stage.
Committee Composition and Timeline:
The committee comprises a distinguished panel of experts, including legal consultants, advocates, and former state drug controllers.
Led by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the committee is expected to submit its recommendations within one month.
Committee Members:
The committee comprises several officials including:
- Rishi Kant Singh, legal consultant, CDSCO;
- Sushant Mahapatra, Advocates & Solicitors;
- Hrushikesh Mahapatra, former Drugs Controller, Odisha; and
- BR Jagashetty, former Drugs Controller, Karnataka.
The committee was formed last week by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
The Scale of the Problem:
Government data for 2023-2024 highlights the seriousness of the issue. Out of 106,150 drug samples tested, 2,988 failed to meet quality standards, and a staggering 282 were classified as spurious.
Furthermore, 604 prosecutions were initiated against individuals and entities involved in the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of counterfeit drugs.
Government Action:
The Indian government has been actively combating the production and sale of spurious and substandard drugs.
With approximately 10,500 drug manufacturing units operating across India, the government’s efforts to ensure drug quality and safety are crucial for public health.
Key Takeaways:
- The government has formed a committee to develop rules for prosecuting chemists and retailers selling spurious drugs.
- This move aims to address a significant loophole in the current system.
- The committee will explore innovative ways to hold erring chemists and retailers accountable.
- The sale of spurious drugs poses a serious threat to public health.
- Consumers must be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid purchasing counterfeit medications.
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What are spurious drugs?
Spurious drugs are counterfeit medications that may lack active ingredients, contain incorrect ingredients, or have been manufactured under unsanitary conditions.
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Why is the sale of spurious drugs a serious concern?
Consumption of spurious drugs can have severe health consequences, including ineffective treatment, adverse side effects, and even death.
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How can consumers protect themselves from purchasing spurious drugs?
Always purchase medications from licensed pharmacies.
Check the expiry date and manufacturing details carefully.
Be wary of unusually low prices.
Report any suspicious activity to the drug control authorities.
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.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or entity. The author assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.
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