'Fake' drugs row: Directorate of Vigilance asks health department to withdraw drugs that failed tests
CBI inquiry into the matter. Saxena had recommended the probe into the alleged supply of drugs that «failed quality standard tests» and have the «potential of endangering lives» in Delhi government hospitals.
The drugs that were found to be of «sub-standard quality» included critical life-saving antibiotics used for the treatment of lung and urinary tract infections Cephalexin, according to officials
They also included a steroid for curing life-threatening inflammation in lungs, joints and swelling in the body Dexamethasone, anti-epilepsy and anti-anxiety psychiatric drug Levetiracetam and anti-hypertension drug Amlodepin, they said.
The Directorate of Vigilance has also asked the health secretary to ensure that no payments are made to firms for such drugs.
«Now, in this context, you are requested to ensure that all such drugs which have failed the prescribed norms should be immediately quantified and seized as per the due process of law on war footing,» read the official communication dated December 24.
The letter also directed the health secretary to ensure that all the «failed drugs may be immediately identified and should be removed from the stock of all the hospitals where such drugs have been supplied so as to ensure that the general public is not administered with such 'Not of Standard Quality Drugs'».
The letter also demanded clarity as to when these drugs are being procured and supplied.
«It is also requested to clarify as to how much payment is made till now to these companies and manufacturers and how much payment is pending.
