The Health Ministry, though rattled by the findings of the Parliamentary panel on the drug approval process, is unlikely to take any immediate action as it plans to go by the usual procedure of preparing the action taken report on recommendations.

Sources in the Ministry said the Union Health Minister has constituted a committee to look into the suggestions in the report and would submit the action taken report within the stipulated two months time. However, senior officials ruled out any immediate action claiming that the entire system was not flawed, though there are deficiencies.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee attached to the Health Ministry that looked into the functioning of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had found at least 33 drugs were approved without proper trials and dug out many flaws in the system.

Meanwhile, the present Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr G N Singh said the action and steps would be taken as required under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (D&C Act). “We are aware of the reports and as part of the Health Ministry, we will take the necessary steps as per the directions coming to us,” he told Pharmabiz.

He however did not want to further elaborate on the issue citing that Parliament was involved. On whether DCGI would review the approvals granted to the drugs in question, he offered 'no comments' at this point of time.

An official from the Ministry said it had already issued a statement and did not want to go further. The Ministry also claimed that it had initiated several steps to plug loopholes and strengthen the functioning of the CDSCO.

“After receipt of inputs from CDSCO, on the report and thorough its scrutiny, appropriate action will be taken by the ministry wherever required,” the ministry said in a statement Thursday.

The Parliamentary committee report had pointed to a collusive nexus between drug manufacturers, officials of Drugs Control Organisation and medical experts in granting approvals to new drugs and said drugs banned, discarded or withdrawn in developed countries are in circulation in India.