Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by The Health Master
Spurious drugs
A recent report by the parliamentary standing committee on chemicals and fertilisers has exposed a grave concern: a staggeringly low conviction rate for cases involving the manufacture, sale, and distribution of substandard (NSQ) or spurious drugs across India.
This alarming statistic underscores a critical gap in the country’s drug regulatory system, potentially putting millions of lives at risk.
A Flood of Substandard Drugs and Limited Justice
The parliamentary committee’s report highlights a disturbing trend:
Widespread Prevalence:
Between 2015-16 and 2018-19, a staggering number of drug samples – 9,266 – were found to be substandard (NSQ) during quality checks conducted by state drug controllers.
Shockingly Low Convictions:
Despite the alarming volume of substandard drugs detected, the conviction rate for offenders is a mere 5.9%.
This translates to only 35 convictions out of numerous cases, indicating a significant lack of enforcement and a weak deterrent against such illegal activities.
Data Gaps:
The parliamentary committee also flagged a critical data gap, revealing that centralized records of convictions for adulterated and spurious drugs are not maintained.
This lack of data hinders effective tracking of offenders and hinders efforts to improve the regulatory system.
Government Sources: A Major Source of Concern
The report further revealed a concerning trend:
Higher Prevalence in Government Sources:
The National Survey of Drugs (2014-16) found a significantly higher prevalence (10%) of substandard drugs in government sources compared to 3% in private sources.
This alarming disparity suggests potential loopholes and inadequacies in government procurement processes.
Inadequate Explanations:
The parliamentary committee expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to this issue, finding it lacking in detail and failing to address the root causes of this problem.
The Parliamentary Committee’s Demands:
Stringent Action and Time-Bound Punishments:
The parliamentary committee strongly recommended the implementation of stringent penalties and time-bound punishments for those involved in the manufacture and distribution of adulterated or spurious drugs.
This is crucial to deter such illegal activities and protect public health.
Improved Data Collection and Analysis:
The parliamentary committee emphasized the urgent need for centralized data collection and analysis of conviction rates to effectively track offenders and identify areas for improvement in the regulatory system.
Thorough Investigation into Government Sources:
The parliamentary committee demanded a detailed explanation from the government regarding the higher prevalence of substandard drugs in government sources, including an investigation into the challenges, flaws, and enabling factors contributing to this issue.
Robust Quality Control Measures:
The parliamentary committee stressed the importance of implementing robust quality control measures throughout the entire drug distribution chain, encompassing procurement, purchasing, storage, and distribution.
Recent Findings:
In a recent update, the health ministry reported that in November, central drug laboratories identified 41 drug samples as substandard, while state drug testing laboratories found 70 samples to be non-compliant with quality standards.
Also read related article: Drug alert: 111 drug samples declared as NSQ in November 2024
These findings further underscore the ongoing challenge of ensuring the quality and safety of drugs available in the Indian market.
In conclusion, the findings of the parliamentary parliamentary committee serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for a robust and effective drug regulatory system in India.
By addressing the issues highlighted in the report, such as improving conviction rates, strengthening quality control measures, and enhancing transparency and accountability, the government can significantly improve the safety and quality of medications available to the Indian population.
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.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.
FAQs
- What are spurious drugs? Spurious drugs are counterfeit medications that may contain incorrect ingredients, insufficient active ingredients, or even harmful substances.
- What are substandard drugs? Substandard drugs are medications that do not meet the established quality standards, such as having insufficient potency or purity.
- What are the potential risks of using substandard or spurious drugs? These drugs can be ineffective in treating the intended condition, leading to treatment failure and potentially worsening the patient’s health. In some cases, they can cause serious adverse reactions, including allergic reactions, organ damage, and even death.
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