Karnataka cracking down on counterfeit drugs

Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by The Health Master

Fight Against Counterfeit Drugs

Keeping in view the seriousness of the threat of counterfeit drugs, the Karnataka state government has increased the enforcement, which leads to a series of legal actions against the pharmaceutical vendors who are involved in the activity of counterfeit drugs.

This crackdown, highlighted by Karnataka Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao, reveals a complex battle involving nationwide networks and critical resource gaps.

Action Against Counterfeit Drugs Venders

A total of 10 cases were filed under the Drug and Cosmetics Act in the fiscal year 2023-24, which shows that the Karnataka government is not shying away from taking stringent action against the culprits.

Another 5 more cases have already been registered, continuing the same momentum in the years 2024–25.

Apart from these legal actions, the Karnataka government has also suspended and cancelled the licenses of 87 and 3 medical stores or pharmacies, respectively.

Origin of the Problem

Responding to a question posed by Malleswaram MLA Dr. Ashwath Narayan in the Legislative Assembly, Minister Rao shed light on the broader picture.

He replied that the problem extends far beyond Karnataka’s borders, with drug manufacturing units manufacturing counterfeit drugs in other states of the country.

The Karnataka government has also urged the central government to take stringent action against the culprits involved in these types of activities.

Drug Supply Chain

The Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) plays an important role in procurement and ensuring the availability of essential drugs to the patients in the hospitals run by the state government.

The KSMSCL has supplied 475 out of 732 approved drugs from the procurement list of 2022–23 to the various warehouses run by the state government.

And 131 essential drugs were out of stock, which is a big challenge to maintain a supply chain to prove these essential drugs to the patients.

To address this, the government has adopted a two-pronged approach: sourcing drugs from other districts and approving emergency procurement measures.

Shortage of officers.

A big hurdle in the fight against counterfeit drugs is the severe shortage of drug inspectors in the state.

The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has 112 sanctioned drug inspector posts, but a staggering 104 positions remain vacant.

Minister Rao stated that this shortage is due to ongoing court cases, including a pending Supreme Court case related to the 2018 recruitment of 67 inspectors.

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