Karnataka Indian Medicine Manufacturers' Association (KIMMA) has submitted a memorandum to the Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and to the Director, State Directorate of Indian System of Medicine & Homeopathy complaining about the dereliction of duties by Drugs Inspector Dr. TS Gopalakrishna.

The communication by JSD Pani, secretary, KIMMA stated that the Drug Inspector failed to comply with Rule 162 of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules 1945 which refers to record observations about the pharmacy outlets in Form 35 in the premises of the licensed unit in triplicate. A notice was issued from the department to respond to the allegations against him but he replied without referring to any specific charges.

Further, KIMMA applied for the records under Right to Information Act. "The distorted, incomplete and misguided information was given after 42 days from the date of our application. It is mandatory to give information within 30 days. On this, the Association preferred to Appeal to the Appellate requesting to provide correct information," stated Pani in the memorandum.

Under the Dereliction of Duty 1, the Drugs Inspector under Sec 33 G of the Rules read with Rule 158 and 158 A, should record his observations in Form 35 kept at the licensed premises in triplicate on every inspection. The memorandum alleged that he failed to perform the duty as an inspector during the inspections carried out from January 1995 to date. In addition, Rule 162 calls for a submission of a detailed report after inspections, which was not done.

Under Dereliction of Duty 2, the drugs inspector who is vested with powers under Sec 8 (1) of the Drugs & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, failed to take action against the offenders as there were Advertisements contravening Sec 3,4 and 5 of the Act, which is a cognisable offence Under Sec 9 A and punishable under Sec 7. The KIMMA memorandum alleged that the drugs inspector sought illegal monetary gains from the offenders.

The memorandum also stated that under Dereliction of Duty 3, 4 and 5, there was inordinate delay in renewing licenses, cancellation of licenses and absentia from work after the lunch break and his regular availability at office of the Registrar, Ayurvedic Practitioners' Board in the same premises.

Under the Dereliction of Duty 6, KIMMA memorandum stated that the drugs inspector granted Loan License to SAP Bio Herbs, Malur, Prince Ayurveda Pharmacy, Mulabagalu to get their products manufactured at Nisarga Remedies, Bangalore (Not in the jurisdiction of Dr. Gopalakrishna) in contravention of Rule 154-A (3) of D&C Rules.

The memorandum also brought to light that the Bangalore City Police had arrested Narendra Manot and seized Amar Balm, Amar Rub, Dentofresh and Miracle oil manufactured in the name of Vintage Remedies & Prerana Associates, Magadi Road, without obtaining license to manufacture these medicines. The accused was remanded to judicial custody and now he is released on bail. The unlicensed products were sold using Sales vans: No. KA 19 6319, KA 27 M 532, CKD 7700. Investigations by KIMMA revealed involvement of the drugs inspector.

KIMMA wanted these serious issues to be solved on a war footing basis and has called for fair enquiry and suspension of the officer, stated in the memorandum.