PSM INDIA Capsules National Injections Drug Laws & Policy Injections Global Injections Pharma Injections PSM PillDRUG DOPES UpComing Events Editor’s Emulsion FAQ Laughter Dose Blog Addict
EDITOR'S EMULSION
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I take this opportunity in inviting our readers to PSM India & Consumer Online Foundation's Roundtable Discussion on the occasion of PATIENT SOLIDARITY DAY to deliberate on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Patient’s Right to Access Quality Healthcare. You may view the details of the event under our Upcoming Events section of this newsletter.
This edition of THE PRESCRIPTION brings up on the sterilization tragedy that happened in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh and condemns the pitiable condition of patient safety in India. One unsafe medicine has threatened patient safety and caused merciless death of poor women of our villages. This unfortunate calamity should mark the beginning of a revolution against spurious medicines in every nook and corner of India. Each and every individual should raise concern on the rise of such fake drugs in our country.
Read this issue to know more on the rebellion across the world on menace of fake medicines in our Global injections Section. Also find newer developments on Drug laws and policies taking place in our country. You may find the recent names of banned drugs in India under Drug Dopes. This issue also brings forward important facts on blood bank and conditions of a blood donor in our section of Frequently Asked Questions.
Mark your calendar for upcoming events featured in this issue.
If you have any suggestions, comments or queries, please email me at pooja@jagograhakjago.com.
You may find our previous issues on our website jagograhakjago.com or in the NEWS ARCHIVE section of every issue of The PRESCRIPTION, in case you’ve missed any of them. You may also look us up on Facebook under Partnership for Safe Medicines India
"Call PSM India toll free helpline 1800 - 11- 4424, to bring cases of spurious medicines or any kind of adverse drug reaction to the notice of the authorities.
Please visit our website jagograhakjago.com if you wish to learn about us .
To register a complaint kindly visit our consumer redressal website jagograhakjago.com”
Happy Reading !
Stay Safe. Stay Healthy !
Pooja Khaitan
Chief Editor ,
The PRESCRIPTION
Partnership for Safe Medicines India.
DOSE OF THE DAY
“The number of people in the world suffering from diabetes is increasing. While governments have a role in prevention and control of diabetes, individuals can also make a difference by taking responsibility for their own health. Eating right and undertaking regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight can cut the risk of diabetes or delay its onset”.
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh,
Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia Region
PSM India Capsules
PSM INDIA speaks on The Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh Sterilization Tragedy, "JUST ONE UNSAFE MEDICINE CAN THREATEN PATIENT SAFETY!
Indian Public Health and Family Welfare has been in news worldwide this month for no good reason. With all utter shame, distress, sheer cry PSM India condemns the death of thirteen women who succumbed in Bilaspur, central Indian state of Chhattisgarh after undergoing sterilization procedures. PSM India mourns for their merciless death and express grief and sympathy to their kith and kin. The media outrage on this agonizing issue all over our nation and worldwide has bought forward in some dreading issues of negligence in the sector of public health in India and also the fact that this has been the issue of highest death toll from a sterilization campaign. This massive setback on minimum health of the nation makes us consciously feel that is India at all progressing?
The factors which came forward after initial investigation of the matter of sterilization deaths was mainly:-
1. Counterfeit or adulterated medicines were administered to the patients. The antibiotic tablet administered to the victims revealed after examination that medicines were adulterated with zinc phosphide, a chemical used in rat poison and if accidentally administered can result in high mortality rates. After the surgery, the women had complained of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and finally their death was caused by cardiac arrest, kidney failure and respiratory breakdown.
PSM India brings forward for readers slice of an interesting survey published by Local Circles (Social Media for Communities, Governance and Urban Daily Life) on “State of Healthcare Industry in India”- Collective inputs from over 160,000 Citizens looking forward to Issues, Root Causes and Proposed Solutions
National Injections
Chhattisgarh Sterilisation Death Horror: Presence of rat poison in drugs confirmed Raipur, Nov 2014: Weeks after the horrible case of sterilisation death, medical report on Sunday, Nov 23 confirmed the use of sub-standard medicines and the presence of zinc phosphide used as rat poison in the Ciprocin-500 tablets allegedly given to the victims in the tragedy. Speaking about the report, State Health Minister Amar Agrawal was quoted as saying, "The drug report confirms the presence of poisonous substances, which also includes zinc phosphide. We have handed over the report to the police and they have to investigate now."
Licenses of 2 pharma companies suspended for sterilisation deaths in Chhattisgarh Mumbai, Nov 2014: Licence of two pharma companies, Mahawar Pharma Pvt Ltd at Raipur and Kavita Pharmaceuticals in Bilaspur, manufacturers of drugs administered at government run camp at Chhattisgarh leading to sterilisation deaths of over 12 patients a fortnight ago has been suspended by the state government. Suspensions were made following government raids on their premises.
Doctor to pay for delay in shifting cardiac patient Mumbai, Nov 2014: Medical negligence is not restricted to treatment, but includes management and handling of a patient. A doctor who gives proper treatment but fails in administrative care can be held liable for negligence. Swaran Singh took his son to Dr Sanjeet Singh Grewal at Grewal Hospital following complaints of restlessness and excruciating pain all over the body. The doctor checked his blood pressure and took an ECG, which revealed the patient had suffered an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (AMI).
MCI summons 300 doctors for promoting costly brands of Ahmedabad based drug companiesMumbai, Nov 2014: The Medical Council of India (MCI) is in the process of scrutinising a complaint revealing names of 300 doctors for illegally promoting the products of an Ahmedabad based pharma company. According to the complaint, pharma company's brand which are priced 15 per cent to 30 per cent higher than those of well-established companies like Aristo, Alkem, Zeds, Cipla, Ranbaxy, Sun and Cadila are prescribed by doctors in lieu of gifts or alternative means of bribe.
Afghanistan delegation in India to study about low cost quality healthcare modelBengaluru, Nov 2014: The government of Afghanistan ministry of health’s eight-member delegation accompanied by USAID workers were in India recently to visit the Merry gold Anand Hospital, Sitapur Road, Lucknow to learn about the successful low cost quality health care model. The main reason for the Afghan health delegation visit to India was that as part of the South Asia region, India had developed a sound affordable healthcare model for the poor patients. This was found wanting in the war-torn Afghanistan region, according to a press release.
Drug Laws & Policy Injections
Govt plans to bring all pharma related Departments under one roof New Delhi, Nov 2014: Government is working on bringing various departments and agencies dealing with the pharma sector under a single authority for better co-ordination and effectiveness.
Union govt introduces draft of Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2014, experts call to include abortion pills Bengaluru, Nov 2014: Union government has introduced a draft of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The salient features of the proposed amendment are abortion can be performed by those practicing Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and also by midwives. The abortion time limit has also been raised to 24 weeks from the existing 20 weeks.
Telangana Health Minister unveils policy paper on universal coverage of ESRD Hyderabad, Nov 2014: Telangana Health Minister Dr. T. Rajaiah has released a policy paper unveiling universal coverage of End Stage Renal disease (ESRD) in the state. Prepared by Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), the policy paper is first of its kind that focusses on renal care and also acts as a blueprint for inclusion of other such services under universal health coverage.
DHR launches scheme to create trained human resource for research for improving patient management & public health Mumbai, Nov, 2014: Aiming to create trained human resource for carrying out research activities for improving patient management and public health in the country, the Department of Health Research (DHR) has launched a scheme to provide advanced training to medical and health research personnel in India and abroad in cutting edge research areas concerning medicine and health.
Pharma Injections
PCI & IPA initiate nationwide campaign to create awareness on responsible use of medicines New Delhi, Nov, 2014: In a move to sensitise consumers about responsible use of medicines, the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) with the support of Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) recently initiated a nationwide campaign called campaign for awareness on responsible use of medicines (CARUM). This first of its kind initiative launched by IPA is specifically tailor-made to educate and inform lay man about the cons of misuse of medicines with the active involvement of pharmacists.
World Diabetes Day: Indian Children Increasingly Vulnerable to Diabetes Gurgaon, Nov, 2014: With 65 million people living with diabetes, health experts acknowledge that India is already facing an epidemic of diabetes. Diabetes not just complicates everyday living, it also puts the affected person at strong risk of complications of the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes.
Severe Allergic Reaction from Acne Products Nov, 2014: The most common skin condition affecting the face is acne vulgaris. It is a spot that may cause blemishes to the skin and may take different forms like whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. The most serious forms of acne are those appearing to be inflamed pustules filled with pus that is deep and inflamed, thereby causing more serious scarring on the skin. Acne can affect both men and women of any age.
Global Injections
Russian bill seeks tougher penalties for faking drugs A bill that would make medicines counterfeiting a separate crime with stiffer penalties has been tabled in the Russian government, according to local news reports. The legislation - introduced by Senator Anton Belyakov..
Nigerian pharma industry gets WHO boost Three Nigerian drug makers have received the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification from World Health Organization, raising the prominence of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry in a global perspective.
Interpol warns of rise in fake medicines
DUBLIN, Nov 2014: At the Interpol conference on pharmaceutical crime in Dublin this week the global crime agency says the growth in crime involving fake or tampered-with medicines "threatens the lives of millions of people" and undermines health systems worldwide.
China vows harsher punishment for production, sale of fake drugsBEIJING, Nov 2014: China will hand out harsher punishment for the production and sale of fake and substandard drugs as the country combats increasingly severe drug scandals, judicial authorities said on Tuesday.
Drug Dopes
Chhattisgarh sterilisation deaths: Govt asked to recall spurious drug from state health centres
Raipur, Nov 2014: Indian women who underwent sterilization surgeries receive treatment at the District Hospital in Bilaspur, in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, after at least a dozen died and many others fell ill following similar surgery.
Acting on a petition by the Chhattisgarh Congress, the Bilaspur High Court on Monday directed the Raman Singh government to withdraw the Ciprofloxacin medicine of Mahawar Pharma Ltd from all health centres in the state.
Brief update on some recent Drugs Banned in India
A number of individual drugs as well as fixed dose combinations are banned in India. Drugs undergo rigorous testing before they are introduced into the market. They are first tested in animals and then in human beings during clinical trials. The efficacy as well as safety profiles of the drug are tested. In spite of this, some adverse effects of drugs appear only after the drug is used in the general population. These adverse effects are detected though a process of regular monitoring after the drug is released called pharmacovigilance. If the adverse effects are severe or the risks of using the drug outweigh the benefits, or if the drug is ineffective, the country may ban the drug or the Drug Company may itself voluntarily withdraw the drug. Some drugs may cause adverse effects only when combined with particular drugs.
FDA approves Avastin for ovarian cancer
NOVEMBER, 2014: Roche has garnered a new indication for Avastin from US regulators, this time in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of women with platinum-resistant, recurrent ovarian cancer.
FDA Warns About Undeclared Drugs Found in Weight-Loss Product
NOVEMBER, 2014: FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or use Sit and Slim II, promoted and sold as a dietary supplement with weight loss claims. Sit and Slim II has been found to contain undeclared phenolphthalein, sibutramine or a combination of both, which makes it an unapproved drug. Sibutramine was a controlled, FDA-approved substance for the treatment of obesity until it was removed from the U.S. market in 2010 for safety reasons. Phenolphthalein, once used in over-the-counter laxatives, is also not approved for marketing in the U.S. because of concerns that the substance can cause cancer.
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PSM PILL
How to Stay Safe as A Patient
Patients are growing concerned about reports of counterfeit drugs being provided by doctors. In February, 19 U.S. cancer clinics were warned by the FDA that they had received counterfeit versions of a cancer drug. Patients can protect themselves by asking their physicians questions about the origins of medicines they receive in their doctor's office. Authentic Avastin is made in the U.S. and moves through a closed, secure drug supply chain to American cancer clinics. The counterfeit medication, however, crossed four continents before arriving in the U.S. via unauthorized distributors. Investigators are working to identify those responsible for manufacturing this fake medicine. One thing they do know is that the fake product was not the vital, lifesaving chemotherapy patients expected.
Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What is meant by a blood bank?
Answer:A place or organization or unit or institution or other arrangements made by such organization, unit or institution for carrying out all or any of the operation for collection, apheresis, storage, processing and distribution of blood drawn from donor for preparation, storage & distribution of blood components. A blood bank may be a separate free-standing facility or part of a larger laboratory in a hospital.
Typically, each donated unit of blood (whole blood) is separated into multiple components. Each component is generally transfused to a different individual, each with different needs. Generally components like Packed red blood cells, Platelet concentrate, Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), washed red cells, Cryoprecipitate, granulocyte concentrate etc. are prepared from collected blood.
In India, blood bank license issued by the State Licensing Authority (DC) & approved by the Central License Approving Authority (DCGI) is required for functioning of a blood bank.
Q2. What are the conditions for Blood donor selection followed In India?
Answer:The general conditions which are looked for in donors are-
• Age ----Between 18-60 years
• Haemoglobin------not less than 12.5gm%
• Pulse--------50-100/min
• Blood-----Systolic 100-180 mm of Hg
• Diastolic-----50-100 mm of Hg
• Temperature-------Normal
• Body weight------not less than 45 Kg
Donor should be in a healthy state mind and body and they should also fulfill the following criteria-
➢ Past 1 year-----not been treated for Rabies
➢ Hepatitis & immunoglobulin-----Past 6 months
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Blog Addicts
Dr. Pankaj, MD Medicine tweets Thanks to The Prescription for making my day interesting. Let’s keep reading for better health!
Prof. Anju Gupta says Ignorance about fake drugs can claim lives like nothing else. So, it’s better to keep one-self updated with PSM Newz!
Deepak Goel, academician blogs
I wish all success to PSM India for its honest effort to make us aware of fake drugs menace!
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