NEW DELHI: Speaking at a National Consultation on Developing a Methodology for Study of Spurious Medicines , organised by Partnership for Safe Medicines (a not-for-profit organisation), former President Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam stressed the need for drug controllers and inspection agencies to monitor instances of people who suffer adverse effects of spurious medicines. The former president called for the intervention of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare so as to ensure that  public and private sector hospitals report instances of affected persons seeking hospital treatment.

The Deputy Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) pegged the incidence of spurious drugs at 0.3% to 0.4%. Experts however felt the figure would be higher, if rural areas are factored in.  The DGCI said it was difficult to crack down on spurious manufacturers operating in remote areas, and that the help of the police was needed.

Source: IANS, October 3, 2011.