
Apex drugs regulator urges states to enforce uniform medicine standards
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.India's apex drugs regulator has directed state governments to enforce uniform medicine standards to eliminate regional variability in regulatory compliance.In its February directive, reviewed by Mint, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), chaired by the Drugs Controller General of India, Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, wrote that concerns have been raised regarding inconsistencies in the enforcement of drug standards across the country, low conviction rates in cases of drug adulteration, and the need for stringent scrutiny of adulteration in imported pharmaceutical products."All states are advised to take proactive measures to effectively address the issues. You are also requested to strengthen the necessary infrastructure, including the provision of adequate manpower under the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH),” the letter said.The development assumes significance for India’s $50 billion pharmaceutical market, which is facing a quality crisis after Indian-manufactured cough syrups were linked to over 140 deaths globally, including in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, due to ethylene glycol poisoning.Mint's emailed queries to the health ministry spokesperson and the DCGI office on 15 April remained unanswered.
While Mint couldn't reach Gopchade by phone, queries sent to his WhatsApp did not elicit a response.Hari Kiran Chereddi, managing director and chief executive, HRV Pharma, said Indian pharma companies supply medicines to more than 200 countries. Global buyers do not distinguish between state jurisdictions vs central jurisdictions; they just see "Made in India”.“A uniform enforcement framework protects that reputation by raising the floor of
. Read on livemint.com