Delhi plans major clamp down on counterfeit drugs market

In a bid to rid the city of spurious, misbranded and adulterated medicines, the Delhi Government will soon launch a series of initiatives to clamp down on the Rs 75 crore counterfeit drugs market.

In a bid to rid the city of spurious, misbranded and adulterated medicines, the Delhi Government will soon launch a series of initiatives to clamp down on the Rs 75 crore counterfeit drugs market.

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The Health department is working on some "harsh measures" which will include frequent raids and better coordination with the police. The government is also mulling bringing a new legislation to deal with the problem as the Central Act has certain loopholes.

Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said she was determined to "stamp out" the business of spurious medicines and has decided to approach the Union Health Ministry to take strict action against those involved in the trade.

"We are considering many options to deal with the problem," she said without elaborating.

S Bhattacharjee, Director of Health Services of the city government, said Ghaziabad and Faridabad are some of the areas where spurious and adulterated drugs are manufactured and circulated in large quantities.

He said under the current law, cooperation is required from several agencies including police and welfare department to get hold of those involved in the business, which at times create hurdles for the drug control authority.

"Our efforts are basically focussed on tightening noose. This is an important issue and we are planning to strengthen our vigilance in a big way," he told.