Last Updated on December 12, 2024 by The Health Master
Drug alert
Drug alert: The Indian pharmaceutical industry is a global leader, supplying affordable and essential medicines worldwide.
However, maintaining the highest standards of drug quality is crucial for public health.
This article explores recent government initiatives aimed at strengthening drug safety regulations in India.
Combating Substandard and Spurious Drugs
A recent drug alert report revealed that between April 2023 and March 2024, of the 1,06,150 drug samples tested, 3,270 found not of standard quality (NSQ), a concerning number (2,988) fell short of the required quality standards.
Additionally, 282 samples were identified as spurious or adulterated, posing a significant health risk.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is actively addressing this issue.
With respect to the above drug alert, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel highlighted several key steps:
Risk-Based Inspections:
Launched in December 2022, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in collaboration with State Drugs Controllers, has initiated a program of risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing facilities.
This prioritizes inspections based on factors such as the number of non-compliant drugs produced by a firm, past complaints, and the criticality of the manufactured products.
Enforcement Measures:
Based on inspection findings, over 400 actions have been taken against non-compliant manufacturers.
These include issuance of show-cause notices, production stoppages, license suspensions or cancellations.
Strengthened Licensing Procedures:
The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945 have been amended to mandate joint inspections by central and state government drug inspectors before granting a manufacturing license.
In conclusion, The Indian government’s commitment to robust drug quality control measures is evident in these recent initiatives.
By prioritizing risk-based inspections, enforcing stricter regulations, and enhancing licensing procedures, these steps aim to safeguard public health and trust in Indian-made pharmaceuticals.
How can I check if a specific drug is of standard quality?
The CDSCO website (cdsco.gov.in) regularly uploads a list of drugs declared “not of standard quality” or “spurious, misbranded, or adulterated” by Central Drugs Testing Laboratories.
What happens if a drug is found to be substandard or spurious?
Licensing authorities take action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and its rules. This may include prosecution in court.
How can I report a suspected substandard or spurious drug?
You can report such cases to your nearest drug inspector or through the CDSCO website.
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.
Drug alert: 90 drug samples declared as NSQ in October 2024
Drug alert: 67 drug samples declared as NSQ in September 2024
Drug alert: 59 drug samples declared as NSQ in August 2024
Drug alert: 70 drug samples declared as NSQ in July 2024
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