Issues with NSQ Drugs in India
Incidents involving not-of-standard quality (NSQ) drugs have led to deaths, such as five mothers in Karnataka due to contaminated drugs.
Pharmaceutical companies in one state can sell drugs across India, despite being licensed and inspected only in their home state.
Data reveals that a significant number of failed drug samples in Karnataka come from manufacturers in other states.
Challenges in Regulation and Enforcement
Karnataka can only prosecute companies producing NSQ drugs, but legal processes are slow, allowing companies to continue operations during the trial.
Drug inspectors in the home states of manufacturers are the only ones who can suspend or revoke manufacturing licenses.
This fragmented regulatory structure limits the ability of states like Karnataka to address NSQ drugs from other states effectively.
Proposed Solutions for Improving Drug Quality
A centralized database of drug test results from across the country could help inspectors and procurement agencies track NSQ drugs and make more informed decisions.
A single database for inspection reports and licensing information would enable better verification of pharmaceutical companies
A national register of blacklisted pharmaceutical manufacturers could prevent unscrupulous companies from continuing to supply NSQ drugs to public hospitals.
Legal Reforms Needed
States should be empowered to block manufacturers from selling drugs within their state while under investigation for NSQ drugs, pending resolution of the issue.
Since the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is a central law, reforms must come from the Union Health Ministry.
Karnataka plans to write to the Union Health Minister to address these concerns and advocate for necessary changes.
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