Racket Exposes Chinks In Drug Control System

VIJAYAWADA, 10 DEC 2017: The spurious drug racket recently busted by the city police and Drug Control Administration of the state has not only exposed the particular gang but also the major loopholes in the drug manufacturing, distribution and sales in the State. Until now there is no systematic way to find out sales of spurious drugs with the DCA or other government agencies.
 
A difference in sale trend of the original product identified by the distributor is the only indicator of illegal drugs sale.
 
In the current case, until the pharmaceutical company Janssen realised that its product ‘Ultracet,’ a pain reliever brand of acetaminophen & tramadol hydrochloride tablet has not been sold in the past few weeks in One Town, the rampant sale of counterfeit Ultracet in the same area did not come to light.
 
After Janssen approached the local police, medical shops were raided and fake drugs found. The DCA, which is responsible for keeping a watch on such sales, has failed to identify it, though the network is larger and spread in several other districts.
 
To overcome the problem, the government is coming up with Comprehensive Drug Monitoring System (CDMS), a software developed by the DCA of AP and serves as a pilot project for the country.
 
“The software will put an end to the illegal sale. Every drug manufacturer, distributor and retailer will be verified and integrated with the software. Even doctors will be integrated and e-prescriptions will be generated,” said Ravi Shankar, Director General, DCA speaking on the sidelines of a press conference held here the other day.
 
“So far there is no effective digital trace and track system in place to recall the substandard and spurious drugs. The CDMS will ensure effective enforcement of drug laws. The software is currently pending with the Real Time Governance wing and has been approved by the Chief Minister,” he added.
 
The authenticity of the drug can be checked by the distributor, pharmaceutical shop owners and all stakeholders. However, for the end user, the facility of checking the authenticity of the drug bought is not available.
 
Lack of sufficient drug inspectors has also been a major problem for the DCA to keep a vigil on manufacturing and sale of drugs across the State.
 
At present, out of 59 sanctioned posts of drug inspectors, 53 have been filled. “The 53 inspectors have to take care of about 30, 000 medical shops in addition to the manufacturing units,” an official of the DCA said.