The Telangana State Drugs Control Administration (TSDCA) has found 21 medicines sold in Telangana to be of not-of-standard quality. Out of a total of 560 drug samples collected from different parts of the state, 21 were found to be not of quality standards. The TSDCA officials have blacklisted these drugs and are planning to further investigate the matter for taking action against the perpetrators as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

“Out of 560 drug samples collected from the market, the lab tests by DCA officials have found that more than 20 drug samples were found to be not of standard quality. All these drugs are regarded as important and widely sold in the market,” revealed a DCA source.

“After laboratory tests revealed that 21 medicines were not of standard, DCA office has issued a warning to the public to avoid buying these 21 medicines from the market,” informed a senior official.

As per reports, some of important drugs which were tested as not of standard quality include dexamethasone tablets, Cefixime, Mezo capsule, aspirin and paracetamol of companies like Nikem Drugs Private Ltd and Minopharm Labs. These drugs are widely prescribed by doctors across the state.

Guidelines for taking action on samples of drugs declared spurious or not of standard quality in the light of enhanced penalties under the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Act, 2008, passed by the Parliament on December 5, 2008 provides deterrent penalties for offences relating to manufacture of spurious or adulterated drugs which have serious implications on public health. It will help regulatory authorities to handle anti social elements involved in the manufacture of such drugs and playing with human safety.

The penalty for manufacture of spurious or adulterated drugs has been enhanced to an imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years but which may extend to imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees or three times value of the drug confiscated, whichever is more.

In certain cases offences have been made cognizable and non-bailable. It also provides a tool of compounding of offences for dealing with certain minor offences. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 control over manufacture and sale of drugs is exercised by the State Licensing Authorities. Licences for drug manufacturing establishments and sale premises are granted by the said authorities. Inspections/raids are carried out by the drug inspectors appointed by the states to ensure compliance of the conditions of licences.

Samples are drawn by drug inspectors to check the quality of drugs marketed in the country. Legal/administrative actions as required under the said Act and Rules for the violation of the provisions of the Act are taken by the State Licensing Authorities. The actions are normally initiated on the basis of test reports of government analysts declaring the drug samples as not of standard quality.