If you have had to take medicines when you are sick, then it is possible that you may have taken some poor quality medicines or you may have taken fake medicines. Yes, the figures of medicines tested by the government are forcing us to think so. Government data for the year 2023-2024 states that out of a total of 1,06,150 drug samples for quality test, 2,988 were found not to be of standard quality. According to the news of Economic Times, in this test 282 medicines were found to be fake.
A big campaign continues against fake and substandard medicines
According to the news, prosecution has been initiated in 604 cases for manufacturing, selling and distribution of counterfeit medicines. According to Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) data, there are around 10,500 units in the country manufacturing a variety of dosage forms and APIs. The government is running a big campaign against fake and substandard medicines. The government has been conducting raids on pharmaceutical companies in various states and issuing show cause notices to those found violating regulations.
Such action has been taken
An official associated with this matter says that till now risk-based inspections have been conducted in more than 500 campuses. Based on these risk based inspections, actions like issuing show cause notices, stop production orders, suspension, license or cancellation of product licenses have been taken by the State Licensing Authorities. This step was taken by DCGI to take action against fake and substandard medicines. Non-compliant companies were shut down.
Associating with legal manufacturer has negative impact
Last September, the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) had said that associating counterfeit products with legal manufacturers has a serious impact on their status and finances. The statement came amid a report by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). In this report, more than 50 products have been declared not as per the Standard Quality (NSQ). Various pharmaceutical companies, including Sun Pharma, Torrent Pharma, Alkem Laboratories and Glenmark, had termed the medicines identified in the Central Drug Regulatory Authority report as fake and said that these medicines were not manufactured by them.
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