In order to draw a common approach to address the concerns of the genuine manufacturers arising out of the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill which stipulates stricter penalties like life imprisonment and non-bailable arrest for manufacturing and selling spurious drugs, all the major associations in the country are meeting informally in Delhi on February 21.

According to sources, the DCGI has asked industry associations to come out with a common approach on the issue of harassment of genuine manufacturers by misusing the provisions of the newly amended Bill and submit the same to the DCC sub-committee which is meeting on February 27. The DCC sub-committee was constituted to recommend measures to combat the spurious drugs menace and suggest ways and means for coordination between the states for effective implementation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill.

Sources said that the representatives of all major associations are meeting in Delhi on February 21 and will frame a common method to address their concerns on the Bill. Though all these associations have separately expressed their apprehensions, this will be for the first time they will be conducting a joint meeting to thrash out the issue. The major concern of the industry is the lack of provisions to safeguard the interests of the genuine manufacturers. Since there is no mention of definition on substandard drugs in the Bill, if any drug is found substandard the manufacturer will be charged for manufacturing and selling of adulterated or spurious drugs.

There is also apprehension among the industry on misuse of the provisions of the Act by the drug inspectors as the Act gives sweeping powers to the drug inspectors and the police to initiate action against the erring drug manufacturers and marketers. All these issues will be discussed in the meeting and will draw a common method to address the concerns of the genuine manufacturers, sources said.

Sources also said that the DCGI Dr Surinder Singh has assured the industry of resolving the genuine grievances of the industry arising out of the Bill, which is yet to be notified by the Union health ministry.